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Dales Railcard Offer

[Last Updated: Monday 30 January 2012]

 

A great winter offer from Northern Rail
for Dales Railcard holders
 

 

*A £6.50 flat-fare adult day return ticket (Period return & single journeys are excluded)

*Valid on the Settle-Carlisle and Leeds-Morecambe lines, includes travel to/from Brampton and Wetheral on the   Tyne Valley line (normal Dales Railcard area of travel applies)

*Available until Friday, 24 February 2012

*Up to four children can accompany Dales Railcard holders for a child flat fare of £3.00 each

*No restrictions on time of travel

The flat-fare ticket can be purchased from ticket offices. When the ticket office is closed or if boarding at an unstaffed station, purchase your ticket from the conductor on the train. No further discounts are permitted with the offer; it cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. 
 
Please note: it is likely there will be high numbers of passengers during half term week (13-17 Feb)  
 

Dales Railcards cost £12.00 per person and are valid for 12 months. For more details of the Dales Railcard click here. You can buy or renew a Dales Railcard at Appleby, Carnforth, Carlisle, Settle or Skipton Booking Offices or on-line.

You can download the Dales Railcard leaflet here.

The Winter Offer is also available to holders of the FoSCL Friends' Dalescard (formerly known as gold card).

 

Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

Early Morning Direct Trains

[Last Updated: Wednesday 16 November 2011]

Early morning direct trains operating on weekdays now operate with the northbound service departing Leeds at 0555 and arriving at Carlisle at 0841.  The soubound service departs Carlisle at 0558 and arrives at Leeds at 0837.

These services provide passengers with great opportunities for onward travel either for a day out, to attend meetings or those few days away in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow or elsewhere. 

The timetable is available here. 

Please see the news item  http://www.settle-carlisle.co.uk/news/index.cfm?categoryID=22&id=265   about the forthcoming changes to the timings and stops for the early morning trains.

 

Anne,  Settle-Carlisle Railway Dev Co

 

 

This has been on the Partnership's wish list for some years. Previously an early morning train from Leeds to Ribblehead and back, and from Carlisle to Kirkby Stephen and back. The first through trains were 0849 from Leeds arr Carlisle 1134, and 0853 from Carlisle arr Leeds 1136  not much use if you had a 9 am business meeting or want a day out in York, say! So the prospect of early morning trains in both directions for the first time since 1994 is good news and we welcome this.

There are, however, constraints which will mean that neither train will be able to stop at all of the smaller stations. First, for several weeks of the year, Network Rail have engineering possession of Petteril Bridge Junction at the Carlisle end until 6 am. This means that the first train cannot depart before 0558 in order to arrive at Petteril Bridge Junction at 0600½!  At the southern end it has to use the same path as the existing early morning train, so with a maximum line speed of 60 mph this timing forces some of the halts to be missed out. It is not yet confirmed which these will be, but those on the way into Leeds and Carlisle served by the present early morning trains will be safeguarded.

Similar pathing constraints mean that the northbound train is scheduled to arrive in Carlisle a few minutes later than at present. Recognising the inconvenience that this will cause to commuters working in Carlisle and Dalston, FoSCL has made a strong plea to Northern for the arrival time to be brought forward. Northern are sympathetic but have no room for manoeuvre, at least as far as the May timetable is concerned. Working with Northern, FoSCL are now pursuing two avenues: 1.An increase in the maximum line speed to 75mph. After expenditure of over £60million in renewing the track, this ought to be feasible. Our contacts in Network Rail tell us that this is being actively considered and may well be implemented as soon as the few remaining Temporary Speed Restrictions southbound have been removed. 2.Relaxation of engineering possessions earlier than 0600. Again, there is thought to be some flexibility here. Either of these measures would allow both northbound and southbound trains to stop at every station, and ought to bring forward the arrival time at Carlisle. There is thus the prospect of improvements being included in the December timetable. So in summary, we wholeheartedly welcome the introduction of early morning through trains and are hopeful that the shortcomings outlined above can be put right in December.

Richard

FoSCL Chairman

Trolley and guides

[Last Updated: Wednesday 20 July 2011]

 

Refreshment Trolley Service

The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company operates the award-winning refreshment trolley service on the Settle-Carlisle route. Check out here when a trolley will be on the train.

Focussing on local food, we offer a range of cakes and biscuits made by Country Fare in Mallerstang.  Country Fare is based at a farm within sight of the line between Kirkby Stephen and Garsdale.  Why not try one or the award winning ginger biscuits or speciality shortbreads and biscuits.  Forget the calories and buy a piece of the delicious chocolate caramel shortbread!

Also available is a wide range of hot and cold drinks is available including filter coffee, tea, hot chocolate, mocha, fruit infusions, water, fruit juice and a selection of confectionery, crisps etc.

On some trains between Appleby and Carlisle, you will also be able to enjoy a locally-made ice cream, produced at Winskill - a village not far from the station at Langwathby.  With a choice of flavours, vanilla, strawberry, peach & mango, why not indulge yourself with a delicious treat.


On-Train Guides
 
 
More information about the volunteer On Train Guides is available here.

Most weeks from Tuesday to Friday there will be a guide on the 0950, 1044 and 1146 trains from Settle to Carlisle. 

Most weekdays there will be a guide on the 0853 from Carlisle and sometimes on the 1151 and 1400 as well. 

On Saturdays we aim to cover any groups that are booked, most often on the 0950, 1044 and 1146 from Settle.

 

Lynda serving from the trolley with Richard, the on-train
guide in the background

Real time information

[Last Updated: Friday 30 December 2011]

The National Rail site www.nationalrail.co.uk now includes all 2500 UK stations in its Live Departure Boards service.   Make sure you click "back" to come back to our site when you've checked your trains!

You can check trains running between Leeds, Settle, Appleby and Carlisle stations by clicking on the local station:

Leeds  Shipley  Bingley  Keighley  Skipton  Gargrave Hellifield  Long Preston

Settle
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Ribblehead
Dent
Garsdale
Kirkby Stephen
Appleby
Langwathby
Lazonby & Kirkoswald
Armathwaite
Carlisle



This information is also available on WAP mobile phones - click on the WAP address: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

We hope you find this feature useful (provided by ATOC - the Association of Train Operating Companies).

2012 Engineering Work

[Last Updated: Monday 30 January 2012]

 

Preliminary information has been received regarding engineering work during the following weekends.  More details will be made available when known. 

 

  
Date(s):
 
Saturday, 6 May 2012
Work in the Carlisle area will result in the 1806 Leeds-Carlisle train terminating at Armathwaite with a bus transfer to Carlisle.
Sunday, 7 May 2012
Work in the Carlisle area will result changes to the 0925 service from Carlisle to Leeds. A replacement bus will depart Carlisle at 0840 to connect to the train at Appleby. 
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Work in the Carlisle area will result in the 1806 Leeds-Carlisle train terminating at Armathwaite with a bus transfer to Carlisle.
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Work in the Carlisle area will result changes to the 0925 service from Carlisle to Leeds. A replacement bus will depart Carlisle at 0840 to connect to the train at Appleby. 
Friday, 2 November to Monday, 5 November 2012 inclusive
Very provisional information relates to work involving a four-day closure in the Appleby area during this period.
More information will be made available when known

 

 

 

Anne

Settle Carlisle Railway Development Co Ltd

Dales Railcards

[Last Updated: Wednesday 18 January 2012]

Dales Railcards can now be purchased on line at www.http://shop.scrdc.co.uk/dales-railcard.html/ .  So if you live in one of the eligible postcode areas (listed below), you now have an easier way of purchasing your first Dales Railcard or renewing an existing card.

  • CA 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17
  • DL 8, 11, 12
  • LA 2, 5, 6, 10
  • BD 23, 24 

A Dales Railcard is valid for 12 months, provides great discounts and special offers and only costs £12.00 per person. For more information about the Dales Railcard scheme, go to http://www.scrdc.co.uk/dales-railcard/.

Alternatively, you can still purchase a Dales Railcard at the booking offices at Appleby, Carlisle, Carnforth, Settle or Skipton Stations - download an application form here.

Anne

Settle Carlisle Railway Development Co Ltd

Great Celtic Connections

[Last Updated: Thursday 29 December 2011]

 

Are you thinking of travelling to Glasgow?  You can travel from Leeds and be in Glasgow before 10am.  Great for that business meeting or a day out shopping.

And there are some great fares are available for passengers travelling between Glasgow and Leeds (or vice versa) if you travel on the Settle-Carlisle railway.  Savings of over £140 can be made on a standard open return ticket if you pick the "route Appleby" ticket.

 

Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

Another Fantastic Offer

[Last Updated: Monday 28 November 2011]

Northern Rail and West Yorkshire Metro are offering a great deals for Metro Card holders and Metro-issued English national concessionary pass holders.  A £9.00 day return ticket on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle and Leeds-Lancaster-Morecambe routes.  The offer is valid from Monday, 5 December to 23 March 2012 (excluding 11 to 19 February 2012).

See the poster here

What a great opportunity to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the north of England, enjoy a trip to the seaside or browsing the shops in Carlisle.

 

 

 Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

2 for 1 offer,Tullie House

[Last Updated: Monday 05 December 2011]

Tullie House Museum, Carlisle, is offering a special offer of one full price adult admission upon purchase of a full price adult ticket. Offer valid until 31st March 2012. Full details of exhibitions and gallery from the Tullie House web site, www.tulliehouse.co.uk/, including offer voucher to print out.

 

Richard, FoSCL

iPhone app launch

[Last Updated: Saturday 19 November 2011]

Carlisle MP John Stevenson has launched the UK's first dedicated iPhone app to act as an on-train guide for passengers. Speaking at an event at Carlisle's Hallmark Hotel, he described the 21st century communication technology behind the app as today's equivalent of what the Victorians achieved when they built the railway network in the 19th Century.

The MP was talking to an audience of more than fifty drawn from local media and business leaders at the launch of the Settle-Carlisle Railway App. The guide is aimed at tourists and passengers travelling the line, and provides them with comprehensive information about its history, places to visit, and businesses which offer services such as accommodation and food. Alongside the directory, there's a unique audio guide to the railway, recorded by BBC Radio 4's Mark Holdstock. The commentary is synchronised with the journey through the use of GPS technology, and gives a fascinating insight into the construction and history of what has become known as England's most scenic railway.

The project was the inspiration of the Chairman of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, Richard Morris, who approached leading Cumbrian app developer Creative Apps with the idea. The group's campaign in the 1980s was responsible for keeping the line open against the wishes of British Rail. Today they work alongside partners such as the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company and train operator Northern Rail to promote the line to tourists and rail enthusiasts around the world.

Richard Morris said, "We believe this is the first time that this latest technology has been used to provide passengers with such in-depth on-board information. We're delighted that we've been able to bring the project to fruition, and know that it will encourage even more people to enjoy this unique experience".

Drew Haley, Client and Stakeholder Manager at Northern Rail in Leeds, welcomed the release of the app. He said, "At Northern Rail we strive to offer the best service to our customers. This app allows us to go one stage further by enhancing the excellent on-board volunteer train guides organised by the Friends of the Settle-Carlsile Line. Now everyone with an iPhone can have their own virtual guide sitting with them, providing a truly personal service from Settle to Carlisle and back."

The launch was organised by Carlisle-based event management group CA Events, and guests were treated to a breakfast of bacon and sausage rolls. It comes at an important time for the line, which has just seen a timetable change to provide an early morning through link between Carlisle and Leeds in both directions. It's a move which attracts John Stevenson's approval as he works to build Carlisle's reputation as a business centre and tourist destination. The MP said, "The city has much to offer, and the fact that this app was produced entirely within the area is a sign that Carlisle is as capable as anywhere else of taking the lead in technological and creative innovation. Our tourist industry can only benefit from this type of initiative."

The Settle Carlisle Railway Guide app is now available free in Apple's App store.

Richard
FoSCL Chairman

Settle Station

[Last Updated: Monday 13 June 2011]

A ticket machine for car parking tickets has been installed at Settle.  Car park tickets should be bought from the machine (rather than from the station booking office).

The machine accepts coins 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 and Smart Cards.  (more about Smart cards below)

Car park tickets cost £2.00 and are valid for one day (24 hours).  A five day ticket is also available - cost £8.00.

 If you are a regular user of the car park, you can take advantage of the introductory offer on the Smart Card - buy 5 days parking and get one day free.  The Smart Cards cost £10 and can be purchased from Settle booking office or the trolley staff. Please note we only accept cash for these cards.  Once you have used the credit pre-loaded on the Smart Card, you can top up the card at the machine in the car park.

 

The Smart Cards will be available to purchase on-line shortly but you can order a Smart Card by post by completing your details on this form and sending a cheque to us at the following address:

SCRDC (Dept SC)
Railway Station
Clifford Street
APPLEBY IN WESTMORLAND
CA16 6TT

 

Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

Settle Award

[Last Updated: Thursday 17 March 2011]

In December 2010, the refurbished Settle Station was awarded the Railway Heritage Trust's Accessibility Award, which was sponsored by London Underground.

The project was led by Marion Armstrong of the Development Company supported by Northern Rail Ltd, North Yorkshire County Council, Railways Heritage Trust, DBSchenker and FoSCL

The plaque was unveiled at a ceremony at the station on 16 March.

Douglas Hodgins, Chairman of the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company (left) introduces:

John Ellis, Chairman, National Railway Heritage Awards

Steve Butcher, Chief Operating Officer, Northern Rail Ltd

Mike Ashworth, Design & Heritage Manager, London Underground Ltd

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marion Armstrong, General Manager, Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company Ltd, unveils the plaque with Steve Butcher applauded by John Ellis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Development Co

Ten Great Reasons

[Last Updated: Friday 20 August 2010]

You can see the latest brochure here giving you a glimpse at what the Settle-Carlisle Railway has to offer.

 

Anne

Settle-Carlisle  Railway Development Co Ltd

Settle-Carlisle Clothing

[Last Updated: Sunday 23 October 2011]

 

  

A great range of Settle Carlisle clothes is available featuring our iconic Settle Carlisle logo.  You can choose from polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, and caps and they are all available in child and adult sizes.  Additional items have been added to the range of clothes available, including a great lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket and a zipped sweatshirt.

All garments feature an embroidered logo and are great quality.

Click here to see the range of clothes and find out about ordering.

Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

Railcards for locals and members of the Friends

[Last Updated: Wednesday 07 October 2009]

DALES RAILCARD

For residents local to the line within the eligible postcode areas, you should consider buying a Dales Railcard.  A railcard cost £10, is valid for a year, and gives you great savings on the cost of travel between Brampton/Wetheral, Carlisle, Leeds/Bradford, Carnforth.  You can save a third on journeys and get massive savings for up to four children accompanying a railcard holder.  In addition, you can benefit when special offers are available.

For more details, go to the Dales Railcard page

If you have already got a Dales Railcard, please remember that they are liable to be damaged if they are placed near any source of heat or are laminated.

  

FRIENDS OF THE SETTLE-CARLISLE LINE RAILCARD

  

The "Friends Gold Card" is available to FoSCL members.  It provides those living outside the Dales Railcard postcode areas with the same benefits. 
 
It costs just £12 per year on top of Friends membership.
 
 
You can now apply for or renew your Friends membership on-line, and purchase a Gold Card if you're already a member.  Click here to go to on-line applications and renewals.
 
The Friends are very grateful to Northern Rail for this significant development and hope that it increases the passenger numbers on the line, whilst providing another valuable membership benefit.

There is a £2 additional charge over a Dales Railcard (eligibility for which is postcode-restricted) but this is however ringfenced for spending on projects on the Settle-Carlisle line only, and will be apportioned by the Friends, the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company and Northern Rail.

The Friends also provide guided walks throughout the year, station shops at Settle and Appleby, volunteer on-train guides on up to 6 trains per day (handing out line guides and information) as well as looking after many of the stations.  See the About Us section for more details. 

 

 

Bridge strike

[Last Updated: Sunday 29 August 2010]

An Argos van hit the bridge at Kirkby Stephen West station on 26th August.  Below is an eye witness account from David Singleton, FoSCL's Guided Walks Coordinator.

 

"Yesterday (Thursday) 15.20 at Kirkby Stephen station.  We'd just arrived back from 'reccying' our next walk and were waiting for the 16.29 to Carlisle.  We heard the bang, I alerted the signalman and the line was closed for about an hour until Network Rail had checked the bridge.

The line was declared safe and re-opened at 16.30 As it turned out the northbound train was held at Garsdale and arrived at KS just 15 minutes late.  The southbound (due 15.53) was held at Appleby and arrived at KS around 16.45

The signalman was very helpful, ringing us on the platform phone to let us know what was going on.

The lorry driver reckoned he'd seen the bridge height limit sign (14' 6") but the information in his cab stated that the trailer height was 14' 2" so someone's measurements need checking!!  Luckily no-one hurt."

Richard
FoSCL Webmaster

 

Help for Eden Valley Hospice

[Last Updated: Tuesday 31 May 2011]

 

Eden Valley Hospice provides specialised palliative care for terminally ill patients and their families along with a wide range of vital supporting services, free of charge throughout North Cumbria. It also operates a Children's Hospice that cares for life-limited children and their families across Cumbria and the South of Scotland.

We are supporting the fundraising efforts for the Hospice by collecting used postage stamps at Appleby Railway Station.

With the support of people from throughout the country, I have taken two large boxes of stamps to the Hospice - you can read the letter of thanks from the Hospice. 

 

Linda G of Livingston sent us a selection of British and foreign stamps and wrote "as I love your part of the country, and have travelled on the railway, here is my small contribution". 

 
We are continuing to collect used stamps.  If you would like to support our effort, please send any used postage stamps to us at the following address:
 
 
SCRDC
Postage Stamp Appeal
Railway Station
Clifford Street
APPLEBY
CA16 6TT
 
 
Alternatively, if you are in the Appleby area, why not call at the station and put the stamps in our collecting box in the main waiting room.
 

To everyone who has sent us stamps already, a big thank you. We look forward to receiving more stamps from you to support the excellent work of the hospice.

 
 
Anne
Settle Carlisle Railway Development Co Ltd

Follow us on Twitter

[Last Updated: Tuesday 12 July 2011]

The Settle-Carlisle Railway has moved into the 21st century and you can now follow us on Twitter

Follow this link http://www.scrdc.co.uk/

 

Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

Rail magazine article

[Last Updated: Thursday 16 June 2011]

The latest edition of Rail magazine has a first class 8-page feature on the Settle-Carlisle Line by well-known journalist Steve Broadbent. In it he quotes extensively from my predecessor as FoSCL Chairman, Mark Rand, and myself.

There are also some excellent photos by Andrew Griffiths, our Press Officer. The front cover features a photo of a Freightliner Class 70 hauling a coal train past Ribblehead station.

You have to buy the hard copy magazine to see the full article and photos, but there is an extract on the Rail web site.

Richard, FoSCL

Special

[Last Updated: Tuesday 03 January 2012]

 

The daily service over the Settle-Carlisle line is provided by modern diesel unit trains, usually Class 158s, operated by Northern Rail.  We often receive emails and telephone calls from people who are convinced that we operate steam trains: let's be quite clear that the Settle-Carlisle Partnership, the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company and Northern Rail DO NOT operate any steam trains on the line. 

However, steam and diesel charter services do occasionally operate over the Settle-Carlisle line, although they do not stop at all local stations.  They are run by specialist charter companies.  To find out whether any steam charters are planned, see the UK steam website (http://www.uksteam.info) for more information. 

 

PLEASE CONTACT THE CHARTER COMPANIES DIRECT AS WE ARE UNABLE TO ANSWER ANY ENQUIRIES ABOUT STEAM AND DIESEL CHARTER TRAINS.

Richard Morris, FoSCL Chairman                  Anne Ridley, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

 

2012 - FELLSMAN STEAM CHARTERS

The popular steam hauled ‘Fellsman’ will return to the spectacular Settle to Carlisle railway in 2012 for its fourth summer season, running on some Wednesdays over the roof of England – with great limestone peaks and deep valleys the legendary ‘Settle to Carlisle’ line is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering including the great 24 arched viaduct at Ribblehead, with time available for sightseeing in Carlisle, or an optional tour of the Lake District by vintage coach and cruise on Ullswater

Available tour dates are Wednesday, 4 June and then every Wednesday from 4 July to 29 August 2012.

 

Statesman Rail are also running a 2 day excursion with pick up points along the Settle-Carlisle line.  For more information about the tour on 8/9 March for a tour including the West Highland Line, follow the link below..

They are also running a pre-Christmas excursion to Edinburgh on 15 December 2012 again picking up at some Settle-Carlisle stations.  For more information, click on the following link.

More information is available from Statesman Rail at www.statesmanrail.com

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Link to the Website

[Last Updated: Thursday 01 December 2011]

Follow this link to book the holiday accommodation at Kirkby Stephen Station and to learn more about the work undertaken by the Trust.

 

Anne, Settle Carlisle Railway Dev Co

Visit the Yellow Peril...

[Last Updated: Thursday 30 June 2011]

Business is booming on the famous Settle - Carlisle railway, and as a result more and more passengers on the line are asking ‘what is that bright yellow building by Armathwaite station?’ Now it is open for visitors, and the answer can be told…
The tall, wooden structure is a signal box, brought into service by the Midland Railway on 16th July 1899. It houses a 16-lever ‘tumbler’ signalling frame, and controlled signals and points at Armathwaite, giving faithful service to the Midland, LMS and finally British Rail, until being retired from service on 15th January 1983.
After rescuing the box from demolition, the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line completed a full restoration in 1992, making it one of the best preserved examples of its kind.  Following a recent period of maintenance, the signal box is now open to the public again and ready for visitors.  A number of original 19th century Midland Railway signal ‘block’ instruments have been installed, along with other railway artefacts, books and information.  The signal box also doubles for some as a sheltered viewing arena for the steam-hauled excursions which occasionally use the line.
If a volunteer is on site next time you visit Armathwaite, you are very welcome to call in (there are no fixed opening times). Appointments can also be arranged by emailing one of the leaders of the restoration, Friends of the S&C committee member John Johnson, on john.johnson@settle-carlisle.com. Plus if you’d like to get more involved then the small band of friendly volunteers will quickly make you feel at home.
So why is this historic building painted such an eye-catching shade of buttercup yellow? John has the answer: “When we took over the signal box we did some research, and found that this was the original colour it would have been painted in. As a colour scheme it didn’t last, but we felt it fitting to restore the box to its original Midland Railway condition - and as far as we know, Armathwaite is the only railway building in this distinctive livery.”
         
     
  
 The line opened for passenger traffic on 1st May 1876
 
     
         
 
   
 
 
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