Leeds-Settle-Carlisle and the national rail network
This is the website of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line (FoSCL), one of several organisations supporting the Settle-Carlisle section of the main line from Leeds to Carlisle. This is not a heritage railway, but part of the national rail network with its passenger trains operated by Northern Rail. We do NOT run steam trains, but steam and diesel charters frequently travel along the line, see www.railtourinfo.co.uk for details.
Together with our partner organisations, we support the railway line that runs from Settle Junction in the south to Carlisle in the north, a total of 72 miles (115 km) in length. The Settle-Carlisle partnership has adopted all ten stations between Settle and Carlisle, tends the station gardens and carries out minor maintenance work. Three of the stations are leased from Network Rail and have a variety of uses intended to encourage people to visit the area. For more information on the wide range of activities we undertake to promote and develop the Settle-Carlisle Line, see About Us.
News Items
Wine Tasting at Langwathby Station
A one-off opportunity on Saturday 19th October: a tutored wine tasting and lunch at Langwathby Station. Come by train, this is a great chance to enjoy your wine without having to worry about driving home! Seven Portuguese wines and a two-course lunch of Portuguese fare will be served. Places are strictly limited, book early - see the attached document for full details.
Timings have been chosen to fit in with trains from north and south: arrival, 0917 from Leeds or 1049 from Carlisle. Afterwards, leave Langwathby at 1518 for Leeds or 1528 for Carlisle.
New trains on the Airedale Line
New electric Northern Rail Class 331 trains are scheduled to commence service between Leeds and Skipton, the Airedale Line, on Monday 9th September. They will eventually replace the existing Class 322 electric trains. There was a launch event involving a trip in one of the 331s from Skipton to Leeds on 3rd September and those who attended were highly impressed. The photo, courtesy of Douglas Hodgins, shows one of the new trains at Skipton station.
Appleby Station Open Day
Appleby Station held a highly successful Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday. There were a great variety of stalls stretching all the way along the car park to the Heritage Centre, a brass band and even a real live owl! It was very well attended, the photo shows just how many people were waiting for the train home - only 2 carriages, but we're working on getting all our trains increased to 4 cars.
All credit to the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company for organising the event, let's hope there'll be another next year.
News from Giggleswick Railway Circle
At long last we have got round to issuing the 'Circle' Autumn Programme.
Please note the slight variation in dates from the fourth Wednesday of the month. Hope that is not too much of an inconvenience.
Fantastic Fairground Factory at Tullie House
A truly amazing exhibition in Carlisle, you can travel there on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle Line, see https://settle-carlisle.co.uk/tickets-times-travel/ for all travel information. Our 7-year old granddaughter was enthralled, we spent an hour and a half in the one gallery alone.
Stainmore Railway summer events
On 10th August our good friends at Kirkby Stephen East station - on what used to be the Stainmore Line - are running a Railwayana Collectors' Fair. There's also loads more going on this summer, see http://www.kirkbystepheneast.co.uk/StainmoreRailway-Events.html.
Campaigns and Promotions
The Hellifield Clitheroe line: We have a long-running campaign to reinstate regular passenger services to Manchester along the existing railway line between Hellifield and Clitheroe. The infrastructure is there, it just requires the will to run passenger trains along it! Read more.
Improvements to the passenger service: the new timetable in May 2018 was the biggest change in 25 years. There are a few more services and on balance we think it's a step forward. It could still be improved and we have an ongoing campaign to achieve this. Read more.
Diary Dates
Forthcoming events from the FoSCL diary:
- Thu 12 Sep, 2019 : Cotterdale and Yoredale: 10m moderately strenuous
- Sat 14 Sep, 2019 : Dent Station to Ribblehead: 9m modeate
- Sat 21 Sep, 2019 : Kirkby Stephen Circular: 12m moderately strenuous
- Sat 21 Sep, 2019 : Ribblehead to Dent: 7m moderate
- Sat 28 Sep, 2019 : Chapel-le-Dale Circular: 8m easy
- Sat 28 Sep, 2019 : Hawes to Bainbridge: 10m moderately strenuous
- Sun 29 Sep, 2019 : Swaledale walk. Thwaite to Muker: 10m strenuous
- Sat 5 Oct, 2019 : MORECAMBE LINE: Ireby Fell: 14m strenuous
- Thu 10 Oct, 2019 : Horton to Settle: 8m moderate
- Sat 12 Oct, 2019 : Long Preston to Settle: 9m moderate
The Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area (SCRCA)
A small group of volunteers is creating an illustrated guide to the key railway-related structures and sites within the Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area (SCRCA). To find-out more - or to 'virtually explore' this unique and fascinating area - visit https://scrca.foscl.org.uk/
