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~Settle & Carlisle 25 Years~

Saved & Successful! 11th April 2014

Hellifield Station

Hellifield Railway Station (on a different day)

Scroll down for photos and a description of the event....

Skipton train

The Skipton to Leeds Train

This report features the special train organised to celebrate the saving of the Settle-Carlisle back in 1989. It is now 25 years since the government of the day decided to find the money to repair the viaducts and associated infrastructure, a decision made with Michael Portillo in place as Minister of State for Transport. The concept of closing a railway line such as this now seems unimaginable. Peter Ratcliffe and I parked at Skipton and caught the service train to Leeds.

Michael Portilo

Michael Portillo at Leeds

Nine carriages will convey around 600 passengers and crew up to Carlisle. MP the former MP, is known for his interest in railway travel and pastel coloured jackets.

Class 37 Damart

The charter train arrived on time and soon enough we were on our way up the Aire Valley. The scenery on a day like today is fantastic, above we pass Damart in Bingley. On board we had a commentary which was a little difficult to hear at times, every carriage had an S&C steward, pulled from the army of volunteers within the "Friends of the Settle & Carlisle Line".

Settle Railway Station

Settle Station

Both platforms and the bridge at Settle were well populated by onlookers and children with flags. The incorrect camera setting has not helped matters. We picked up at Skipton and Settle before starting the superb journey to Appleby via Ribblehead and Garsdale, to name just two of the stations.

Pen-y-Ghent Chinook
Pen-y-Ghent
Chinook Helicopter

With every door's window occupied by enthusiastic enthusiasts, it took a polite nudge from me to get my head out and take a few photos on the way north. We were buzzed directly overhead by a Chinook helicopter whose pilot either knew to expect us or was pleasantly surprised.

Ribblehead Viaduct

On Ribblehead Viaduct

Everybody seems to be taking photos! I appointed "Special Agents" to get photos of us from the onlookers.

Ian Scott

"Agent" Scott

Ribblehead Viaduct

Our Train

by Ian Scott - more of his photos on Flickr. The second agent to offer a photo was on the other side of Blea Moor Tunnel and watched the train from one of my favourite viewing points. Mick Page, also with a Flickr account, took this one:

Blea Moor Tunnel

Emerging from Blea Moor Tunnel

Garsdale Station

Garsdale Station

The train slowed down on both passes through Garsdale Station so that folk could see the statue of Ruswarp on the southbound platform. Here is a library photo and my quote from the time in regard of the faithful hound:

Ruswarp

"On the platform at Garsdale is a bronze statue of Ruswarp (pronounced Russarp). Ruswarp was the constant companion of Burnley man Graham Nuttall. Graham was a founder member of the "Save the Settle & Carlisle Line" campaign group that led to the saving of the line. On January 20th 1990 Graham went missing on a walk in North Wales, 11 weeks later his body was found and for those 77 days and nights, Ruswarp had stayed by his master. A weak and 14 year old Ruswarp died at the end of Graham's funeral. Use the internet or visit the station for more on this story."

Dandymire Viaduct

Dandry Mire Viaduct

Tunnel

Tunnel

Not too sure which one, but I don't suppose that matters too much. We are now cruising towards Carlisle, the welded track makes it such a smooth journey, but I rather miss the clickety-clack of days gone by.

Armathwaite Station

Armathwaite Station

Carlisle Station

Carlisle "Citadel" Railway Station

The passengers leave the train and many cross the bridge to see the engines. A small band welcomed the travellers and Mr.Portillo gave the BBC an interview, I declined for contractual reasons.

S&C 25th

Class 37, No.37259

Carlisle is a nice enough place on a day like this, it has all the same stores as any other town. Peter and I found a pub and had lunch.

Howard Arms Carlisle

Howard Arms, Carlisle

A fine, local pub. Exterior as seen - interior is cosy and staff friendly. Simple menu at the time of our visit, but the food was served promptly on warm plates and we enjoyed our pie and pint.

37429

The Return Trip

The train is back-to-front here, this engine was at the back on the way up. At Carlisle, it is possible for the whole train to turn round using a triangle of tracks south of the station. This was done and agent, David Redbourne (Flickr) offered this photo of the returning, rotated train:

Carlisle Train

Class 37, No 37409

The return train left on time and we had another chance to enjoy the wonderful scenery all the way down the line.

Denthead Viaduct Blea Moor Tunnel

Across Denthead Viaduct and into Blea Moor Tunnel

I think this part of the line is my favourite, Denthead is a great place to be.

Skipton Railway

Skipton Railway Lines

We left the train at Skipton, the end of a fabulous rail journey. Thanks go to everyone involved in the saving of the line and those who organised this trip.

The Settle-Carlisle Partnership

Most photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2014 ©

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