The Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line was the last great mainline railway to be built in this country. Completed in 1876, the line took 6 years to build and cost the Midland Railway Company £3.5 million. Consisting of 72 miles of tracks with 20 major viaducts and 14 tunnels blasted through the seemingly impossible hillsides, the line was constructed by men with little to supplement muscle power other than dynamite and temporary tramways.
After the completion of the line, the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle played a profitable and important role in the fortunes of the Midland Railway. Advertised as the most picturesque route to Scotland, Victorian and Edwardian travellers took it to their hearts. After the second world war as the use of the car became more widespread, railways nationally suffered from decline and by 1982 there was only a skeleton service on the line. In 1983 British Rail issued a closure notice, which would spell the end for the line. Voluntary groups local authorities and M.P.s began a fight to save it from closure and in April 1989 the announcement was made reprieving the line.
Today, travellers can be thankful for all these past efforts as they enjoy a dramatic and inspiring journey through magnificent scenery. Probably the most famous landmark along the railway is Ribblehead Viaduct with its 24 arches. Between Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Ribblehead stations the line climbs 200 feet in 5 miles.
In order to develop the use of the railway for recreational purposes, a programme of guided walks has been set up. These walks are led by volunteers, who meet the trains at certain stations, and operate from Easter through to October. In addition to the guided walks, there is a network of bus routes which connects the surrounding villages with the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line.
There are lots of things to see and do directly off the train, this is a day out where you can hang up the car keys and explore the country between Leeds-Settle and Carlisle.
Fares and tickets
A wide range of fares and tickets are available. Children from the age of 5 to 15 (inclusive) travel for half price.
All national railcards are valid eg family or senior citizen. If you live close to either the Settle-Carlisle or Skipton to Morecambe line you may be eligible for a Dales Railcard. This allows one third off the cost of local rail travel all year and special fare offers during some of the Winter period. For further details pick up a leaflet at stations or visit “The Settle Carlisle” website link on this page.
Useful phone numbers
National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950
Information Line 09065 660 607 (calls charged at 50p per minute)
Customer Services 0845 0000 125
Group Travel 0113 247 9659 or 0800 98 007 66
North Yorkshire Journey planner 0870 608 2608
Disabled travellers:
Help and assistance is provided wherever possible. For information on how to book assistance please ring 08456 008 008 (07.00 - 21.30 Mon - Sat and 8.00 - 21.30 Sun). Please ring at least 24 hours before your journey. For people with hearing difficulties a mini-com service is available on 08456 045608.