This historic and scenic route was one of the last main line railways built in Britain. It was built by the Midland Railway to allow it to have its own route into Scotland, rather than having to depend on its rival, the LNWR.
The line was opened in 1876 for passengers following a battle with both the weather and the terrain, and over 6000 "navvies" worked on the construction which included 14 tunnels and 22 viaducts. There are several excellent books about the construction and the eventual saving of the line from closure.
The line today is open and getting busier every year with both freight and passenger traffic.
There are several ways to experience the line; -
- You can get a return ticket from Carlisle to Settle and spend some time exploring this lovely little town.
- You can get a return to Leeds and experience the whole length of the route
- Northern Rail also have a day Round Robin ticket which allows you to travel in a circular route from Carlisle to Leeds then York, Newcastle and back to Carlisle. This ticket is also valid from Hexham or Haltwhistle.
- Northern Rail have several Rover Tickets which cover this route which allow travel within a specified area for any 4 days in 8.
Regardless of which ticket you buy the experience of travelling the line will leave a lasting impression on all who make the trip.
For full details of tickets, prices and timetables visit the Northern Rail website or any Northern Rail manned station.