TRAINS IN THE SOUTHERN DALES

SETTLE TO CARLISLE RAILWAY

Easily the most scenic of the publically owned railways of Britain is the Settle to Carlisle line, this line was often threatened with closure. In spite of the Yorkshire Dales being criss-crossed by old railway routes, victims of the notorious 'Beeching Axe' of the 1960's, the little-used line between Settle and Carlisle survived. Public support for the line has prevented it's closure since then and furthermore, the line offers an alternative route should for some reason, the West Coast Main Line become blocked. Today railways are undergoing something of a renaisence, with a campaign ongoing to put the line back into Wensleydale.

The highlight of the journey, a
chartered stream train crosses
the Ribblehead Viaduct.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

The closure of many railways by Dr. Beeching together with the end of steam services in the 1960's led to many societies being set up, to preserve steam locomotives on short sections of railways. At first critizied for being grown men playing at trains, these enthusiasts have managed to save many standard and narrow guage railways throughout the U.K. and their steam locomotives as well as some classic diesel locomotives.
Running from the outskirts of Skipton to Bolton Abbey is the Embsay Steam Railway, 4.5 miles (7km) of standard guage line which operates every Sunday throughout the year, Saturdays during the high season and daily during the school summer holidays. Santa Specials operate from late November and Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends make an appearance during some Bank Holiday weekends.

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