THE rich history of Cumbria's historic coastal railway line is brought to life in a newly-released book.

In Enjoying the Cumbrian Coast Railway , acclaimed Preston historian and author David John Hindle takes readers on a journey through the geography and social history of the Cumbrian Coast Line.

The railway stretches the entire Cumbrian west coast, from Carnforth, across the Arnside Viaduct and through the Furness peninsula up to Millom and Whitehaven.

In producing a book "brimming with nostalgia", Mr Hindle hopes to bring a bygone age of steam rail travel to a new audience.

He said: "I've done books on social history - mainly about Preston - and the history of the railways before.

"In this book, the whole focus is a new take on the Cumbrian line - it's about how people have been enjoying the railway for decades, and how we continue to do so now."

Published by Silver Link Silk Editions, the hardcover book sees Mr Hindle's authoritative knowledge of the history of the railway complemented by photographs that vividly depict the engines, scenery and wildlife that could be found along the line in years gone by.

It tells of the line's origins as an industrial railway principally used for the carriage of minerals and iron ore, through the tourism boom of the early 1900s, right up to the walks and birdwatching spots that people can enjoy today.

"Enjoying" the line began in earnest in the late 19th century and early 20th century, when general manager of the Furness Railway Alfred Aslett transformed it "from a run-down industrial line into a tourist line".

He negotiated a number of excursions and tours that initiated a boom in Lake District tourism in the early 20th century - a legacy that is still being felt today.

"In many ways, the story of the railway is the story of the growth of the tourism sector in the Lake District," Mr Hindle explains.

"The popular excursions and workers' holidays opened up links to the area, as well linking places like Whitehaven and Workington to Carnforth and Blackpool."

Bringing the story into the present day, the book also features a chapter about the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, with a trip on 'L'al Ratty' still a popular attraction for many tourists visiting the Lakes.

The Ravenglass Railway Museum offered its co-operation and archives to help illustrate its history.

The author also intertwines the history of the railway with the story of his own heritage - Mr Hindle's ancestors were from Millom, and he shares memories of his 'old nan' and the trips on the engines in the early 20th century.

Later in the book, Mr Hindle focuses on the area's unique flora and fauna, detailing the heritage walks and birdwatching spots to look out for along the coast.

"The book should particularly interest tourists, people interested in railway history, hikers, naturalists and ornithologists," he added.

"But really, in helping people understand a little bit more about its past, I hope I can enhance the experience of anyone using the Cumbrian Coast Railway."

Enjoying the Cumbrian Coast Railway is available online from Amazon and in the Waterstones store in Barrow.