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We reach Garsdale – UK Rail Journeys Series 2 – Episode 12
In ‘We reach Garsdale‘ the journey from Leeds to Carlisle continues as we travel from Settle north along the Settle and Carlisle line.
Please click on a thumbnail to see the photographs that go with the podcast:
Settle Station:
The Grade II listed station is at the southern end of the Settle and Carlisle Line. Just over 41 miles north of Leeds, its close to the town centre and has part-time staff. There is a waiting room, toilets and a souvenir shop in the main buildings on the southbound platform.
There is a stone waiting room on the northbound platform. An ex-North British Railway footbridge links the platforms.
The station was used by 131,000 passengers in 2022 / 23.
This section of the line is known as ‘The Long Drag’. The line climbs at 1 in 100 for the next 10 miles until we reach the summit at Blea Moor. Hard work for the firemen in the days of steam.
Ribblehead:
This can be a wild and windy place. Its high up on the Pennine plateau, The summits of Ingleborough and Whernside are in view and the rainfall is four times that of London.
In 2022 / 23, 23,426 passengers, mainly walkers and tourists, use the station.
The legendary, 24 arch, 440 yard long viaduct is immediately after the station. It stands 104 feet above Batty Moss. The big question is whether it is better to be on a train crossing the viaduct or to watch the train cross it from below. You choose!
Dent:
This is the highest station in England. It is 1,150 feet above sea level. The local village is nearly 5 miles away. In 2022 / 23 over 9,200 passengers use the station.
Garsdale and Hawes Junction:
Few people live in this wild countryside. Garsdale, used by 14,494 passengers in 2022 / 23 was once the junction with the Wensleydale line.
There are sixteen Railway Cottages next to the station. These were built by the Midland Railway for railway workers.
Listen to the podcast to hear all about my journey from Settle to Garsdale and the incidents at Hawes Junction.
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Music:
AKM Music licenses Steam Railway and Under the Sun for use in this podcast.