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
The Lost Village of Thorns
A successful first event which was also a new event this season. We also had a view of the LSL ‘The Chairman’s Train’ as it crossed Ribblehead viaduct on its way to London Euston.
Following a talk on navvy life and the glory of the coming of the line through Ribblehead, we set off to Thorns to share a different message. The rise of the railway had its part in bringing the end of droving and the eventual abandonment of Thorns
RIBBLEHEAD: Footsteps in Time
Discover Thorns with the Footsteps in Time team . The first of our new seasons events is on the 23rd April starting from Ribblehead visitor centre at the station.
The 6 mile walk will leave the station yard at approximately 1130. Please read our important information so that you are able to safely join us.
This now abandoned village was in a thriving location and a regular stop for the drovers , who were also skilled veterinarians, as they made their way from north to south with livestock, goods and news.
Integrated Transport Report gains traction
The Case for Integrated Transport on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle Line Corridor
The paper referenced at the bottom of this news item has been well received by the local press and CPRE. Please click on the link to read the full report.
Horton Station cafe/bar opening times
Opening hours at HCB from 4th April:
Fridays 10.30-16.00
Saturdays 10.00-17.30
Easter Sunday and Monday 10.30-16.00
Footsteps in Time
The Footsteps in Time team at Hellifield Shed 24H for their AGM
The Footsteps in time team have two new features during the 2025 seasons events.
Limestone Botany when we welcome a Leeds based botanical artist, Selina Thorp, to accompany us in identifying the wild flowers of ingleborough quarry and Gauber pasture.
Horton Station Cafe/Bar
In March, We are going to be open Fridays 10.30 - 16.00 and Saturdays 10.00 - 16.00.
We will extend those hours when the clocks go forward at the end of March.
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 26 Apr, 2025 : 26 April 2025 - South of Gargrave
- Tue 29 Apr, 2025 : 29 April 25 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Settle Circular
- Wed 30 Apr, 2025 : 30 April 2025 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Dent Marble Geology Walk
- Wed 30 Apr, 2025 : 30 April- ride2stride Walking Festival - Ribblehead Shanty Town Walk
- Thu 1 May, 2025 : 01 May 24 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Skipton History Walk
- Fri 2 May, 2025 : 02 May 25 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Kirkby Stephen Circular
- Sat 3 May, 2025 : 03 May 25 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Langwathby to Lazonby
- Sat 3 May, 2025 : 03 May 25 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Whalley to Clitheroe
- Sun 4 May, 2025 : 04 May 25 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Horton to Settle
- Mon 5 May, 2025 : 05 May 25 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Appleby Circular
- Mon 5 May, 2025 : 05 May 25 - ride2stride Walking Festival - Lazonby Circular
- Sat 10 May, 2025 : 10 May 2025 - Clapham Circular via Norber Erratics
- Sat 17 May, 2025 : 17 May 2025 - Ribblehead to Clapham via Ingleborough
- Sun 18 May, 2025 : 18 May 2025 - Maiden Castle: Reeth to Gunnerside
- Sat 24 May, 2025 : 24 May 2025 - Nappa Scars from Horton
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/
