Former MP Michael Portillo is in Cumbria as part of his latest series - BBC's Great Coastal Railway Journeys.

The British journalist begins his journey in what he describes as 'one of the most spectacular crossings on this coastal line.'

Beginning in Ulverston, Mr Portillo crosses the viaduct over the River Leven with what he describes as 'spectacular views of the Morecambe Bay to the left and the broad channel of the river to the right.'

His first stop is Ulverston Gateway where he describes Windermere as 'moody, fantastical and inspirational.'

He explains how many writers have been inspired by the Lakeland setting and is a personal fan of Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons. Geraint Lewis of the Arthur Ransome Trust goes on to describe to Mr Portillo how the lake had a 'spiritual effect' on the novelist and that he fictionalises Windermere and Coniston by putting the two together.

As he moves up the coast, he parallels how the 'placid waters' have inspired people in different ways by 'emboldening engineers and daredevils.'

He then recounts the sad tales of how Sir Henry Segrave, a pioneer in land and water speed records, died on Windermere, and also how fellow record holder Donald Campbell died on Coniston which he personally witnessed on TV.

The Westmorland Gazette: Michael Portillo discusses the giant slag heaps of Barrow

Stopping at Barrow train station, he describes how Barrow 'shows Cumbria a different face' and how its fells are artificial giant slag heaps created by centuries of use for iron and steelworks. Once the best steelmakers in the world, the town is still used to build the UK's submarines. 

After leaving the Furness Peninsula, he hikes up to Black Combe to Silecroft where he meets fell runner Wendy Dodds. Now in her 70s, the champion endurance athlete continues to reach the highest summits in England emphasising how map craft and using your 'noddle' are just as important as fitness to be successful at the activity. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Michael Portillo talks to Pete, the driver of a narrow gauge train

Keeping with the terrain theme, Mr Portillo heads north to Ravenglass where the first public narrow gauge railway was opened in 1975. Now measuring just 15 inches, the former MP is told by volunteers and train drivers how the small line was created to navigate the varied terrain. He then uses it to take a 'memorable journey' to the famous Lake District National Park where he explains how his next episode will explore Sellafield, Cumberland sausages and wading.