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.
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News Items
Ribblehead Rocks
RIBBLEHEAD: Footsteps in Time
Free event on Wednesday August 21st
RIBBLEHEAD ROCKS
Walk, exhibits, cafe
An insight into the geology of the landscape including a fossil hunt at the viaduct and a 6 mile hike to Force Gill Waterfall at the foot of Whernside to discover the source of the building blocks for the iconic viaduct. Join us at Ribblehead visitor centre on the platform.
Horton Developments
Lots going on at Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station: first our lovely cafe/bar which opened in June, now a start has been made on the bridge to replace the foot crossing.
Photo courtesy Mike Farrington.
Geology and Botany
What a glorious weather day for our walk taking in Ingleborough Quarry; now a nature reserve full of botanical wonders and an ancient settlement . The sun enhanced the limestone pavement and its features , some of the best in the country, before we descended to Chaoel le Dale . The peaceful historic church there is depicted in a painting by Turner hut we were more interested in the stories of the more famous railway workers buried there. The rich meadows and viaduct views were truly appreciated in our return.
Rail trip with Exclusively Inclusive Group
A group of amazing and vibrant individuals living with autism and learning differences took a train from Skipton to Kirkby Stephen Station for a visit to Kirkby Stephen East Heritage Line. We were picked up from the Station in a Classic Coach, visited the Station Workshop where we saw a wooden snow plough being renovated and had several trips on a diesel hauled train. We were truly spoilt by the volunteers at the station. The trip supported in collaboration with Friends of Settle-Carlisle Line, Kirkby Stephen East Station volunteers and Northern Rail.
Cubs visit Settle Station
On Tuesday 9th July we welcomed Settle Cubs to Settle Station for their second of four visits as they worked towards their new badge Platform for Change .
The Cubs were shown the Station Garden by Karl Graves, Station Adopter. Karl talked about gardening at the station, seasonal planting , how to use gardening tools and finally made garden labels for the herbs they planted. They also assisted in varnishing a train planter donated by a local Settle resident.
Despite the miserable weather they had a great time.
Settle Primary School visit the Line
Settle Primary School visited Settle Station and Ribblehead Viaduct on 8th July as part of their end of term activities.
34 children plus teachers and parent helpers visited Settle Signal Box ringing bells and pulling levers, listened to a rail safety talk given by the Fire Public Safety Officer and Community Police and heard On Train Guide John Anderton talk about Settle Station History. The children even created their own heraldic coat of arms.
User Group Activities
Train Services
We are continually monitoring Northern Trains's performance in detail: punctuality, reliability and cancellations. Every month this information is summarised and distributed to The Friends' board and Northern. Read more.
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.
Integrated Transport in the Settle-Carlisle corridor: we are strongly supportive of rural bus services which connect with the railway line. There is hardly any funding from either Cumbria County Council or North Yorkshire County Council. FoSCL has contributed but we can't do it all ourselves. An excellent and comprehensive paper on integrated transport has been written by John Carey, FoSCL Committee Member. Read more.
Diary Dates
Forthcoming events from the FoSCL diary:
- Sat 7 Sep, 2024 : 7 September 24 - Armathwaite to Carlisle - Cancelled - See alternative walk and further info below
- Sat 7 Sep, 2024 : 7 September 24 - Whernside Ridge from Ribblehead
- Sat 14 Sep, 2024 : 14 September 24 - Kirkby Stephen Wander
- Sat 21 Sep, 2024 : 21 September 24 - Langwathby Circular
- Sat 28 Sep, 2024 : 28 September 24 - Dent to Ribblehead via Gearstones
- Sun 29 Sep, 2024 : 29 September 24 - Marrick Priory - Grinton to Reeth
- Sat 5 Oct, 2024 : Winter walks programme coming soon - watch this space!
The Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area (SCRCA)
A small group of volunteers is creating an illustrated guide to 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/
![A montage of seven photographs taken within the Settle-Carlisle Railway Conservation Area (SCRCA).](/sites/1/files/drupal/img/text-with-image/2018-08/SCRCA-Teaser-0720px.jpg)