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
Free Settle-Carlisle Folk Concert
at the Royal Oak, Settle, Friday 29 November at 8 pm.
Featuring Karin Grandal-Park and her new production of "Lives on the Line", songs about the men and women who built the Settle-Carlisle Line. Narration by Mark Rand.
Winter special offer for Dales Railcard holders
The annual offer for Dales Railcard and WYCNTs holders is back for Winter 2019 and Spring 2020!
Network Rail repair S&C landslide
A railway cutting that was edging towards the Settle – Carlisle railway line has been strengthened thanks to a £1.2m investment from Network Rail.
The upgrade near Kirby Stephen is being delivered as part of the Great North Rail Project.
It will help keep the line between Leeds, Settle and Carlisle safe and reliable for passenger and freight trains.
Photo courtesy Network Rai, text Rail Advent.
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.
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:
- Sun 10 Nov, 2019 : Feizor and Giggleswick Scar: 8m moderate
- Sat 16 Nov, 2019 : Horton to Ribblehead via Ling Gill: 9m Moderate
- Sun 17 Nov, 2019 : Settle Circular: 11m moderate
- Sat 23 Nov, 2019 : Wether Fell: 12m Strenuous
- Fri 29 Nov, 2019 : Free Settle-Carlisle Folk Concert
- Sat 30 Nov, 2019 : Lady Anne's Highway: 12m moderately strenuous
- Sat 7 Dec, 2019 : Dales Highway from Malham: 6m moderate
- Sat 14 Dec, 2019 : Great Knoutberry: 11m strenuous
- Sun 15 Dec, 2019 : Otterburn and Scaleber Force: 12m moderately strenuous
- Sat 21 Dec, 2019 : Moughton Scar: 9m moderately strenuous
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/
