Scenic Railway Journeys Yorkshire

I am sure you never doubted that Yorkshire has some of the most scenic railway settings in Europe. Here is just a selection of some old but still working railways that arrange journeys into a steam driven past.

Ribblehead Viaduct

Ribblehead Viaduct by Joe Dunckley

Ribblehead viaduct on the scenic Settle-Carlisle line. Ribblehead viaduct was built in 1870-74 and contributed to the Settle-Carlisle line becoming one of most expensive lines in the UK. The rural line was threatened with closure during the 1960s and 1980s, but, with an active campaign it was saved.

Crossing Ribblehead Viaduct, with Ingleborough in the background.

Another great shot of Ribblehead by ahisgett, on Flickr.

Settle-Carlisle Line

It is not just Ribblehead viaduct, which is worth seeing on the Settle-Carlisle line. The whole route offers some great views. This is from the railway bridge looking south towards Dent station. Dent station is the highest mainline station at 1,150 feet above sea level.

Dent station.

Embsay -Bolton Abbey Railway

The Embsay Bolton Abbey is a preserved heritage railway in the Yorkshire Dales. It used to be part of a line which ran from Ilkley to Skipton, with an offshoot towards Grassington. These days, it is just between Bolton Abbey and Embsay.

Photo Andrew – Bow Bridge loop

Bolton Abbey staion by Andrew

Bolton Abbey is actually over a mile from the railway station, but there are some great views for those who walk down to the river.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway by belkin59 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

The Trust, registered charity number 1032933, was formed in 1995 as a means of raising capital sums for the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. It runs between Keighley and Oxenhope, passing through Ingrow West, Damens, Oakworth and Haworth

End of the line at Oxenhope

The Keighley and Worth Valley railway has featured in many films, including the Railway children.

Wensleydale Railway

Wensleydale Railway by Jez B CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Wensleydale Railway runs 22 miles from Northallerton West station (close to Northallerton on East Coast main line) to Redmire. It passes through Bedale and Leyburn. It use to run all the way to Hawes and join up with the Settle Carlisle line, but unfortunately the track has been lifted at this western side. Volunteers maintain the railway line between Redmire and Northallerton.

karenblakeman CC BY-NC 2.0

Wensleydale Railway at Redmire Station.

North York Moors Railway

Thomas Tolkien, on Flickr

First built in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway. The North York Moors railway is maintained as a heritage railway, offering steam engine services between Pickering and Whitby.

Esk Valley by Bashed

Bradford Interchange

A bit of an unexpected choice.

I took a train from Leeds to Bradford Interchange. You certainly see a more urban environment than some of these lines, but this photo reminded me, even at Bradford Interchange, you can get a good view.

Related

• Yorkshire Railway maps
• York Railway station
• North York Moors Trains
• Settle to Carlise over Ribblehead Viaduct