(09 May 2016, 6:13 pm)Tom wrote Thanks both
I think I will get the train then - the 10:22 one will be too late though as I want to get to Carlisle at a reasonable time to go into the Lakes.
No idea which runs are scheduled to be 156's. Fingers crossed you don't get a 142! I have been fortunate enough to have never had the latter on the Tyne Valley line. If you are looking to go in to the lakes, the rover that includes bus, ferry and train might be worth looking at.