The line, which opened to passengers in May 1876, runs 72 miles through the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, and Cumbria's Eden Valley, featuring 14 tunnels and more than 20 viaducts. One of its most famous structures, the Ribblehead Viaduct, is 400 meters (1,300 ft) long and has 24 arches, built by a workforce of 6,000 men between 1870 and 1875. The line was saved from closure in the 1980s after a public outcry and a campaign that raised £3 million.
According to major media reports, the decision to save the railway was made following activism. A dog signed the petition to save the line, and a statue of him now stands at Garsdale station, as noted by regular passenger Robin Gilder. To mark the anniversary, a chartered steam train will run between Carlisle and York on Monday, 25 May, using the Battle of Britain Class 'Tangmere' locomotive.
I say that is my office window.
10pm. Northern expects more than one million passenger journeys on the line in 2026, according to Alex Hornby, Northern’s commercial and customer director. 50 tickets for travel on the route in the coming months, though exact availability details have not been announced.
Pete Myers, Chair of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, said the line is unique in connecting communities and providing a sustainable way for visitors to explore the Yorkshire Dales, Westmorland Dales, and Lake District. He added that the company is working with communities along the line to host events for the anniversary. Alex Hornby noted the line's popularity and its recognition as one of the most scenic trips in Europe, expressing confidence in reaching the one-million-journey milestone and looking forward to the anniversary celebrations.
It is absolutely stunning. Many passengers are hikers and dog lovers heading outdoors. It does not matter if you are in the valleys around Dent or the Ribblehead Viaduct. It is a tonic. You have to get off the train to see the viaduct; otherwise, you only catch a glimpse. The Three Peaks are just beautiful too. No disrespect to people who work in an office, but it takes some beating. I was in education for 20 years, and I fancied a change.
According to Daily Mirror - Main, Yvonne Harland, a Carlisle-based conductor on the route, described the scenery as stunning, noting that many passengers are hikers and dog lovers heading outdoors. She said the views of the valleys around Dent and the Ribblehead Viaduct are a tonic, and that passengers need to get off the train to fully see the viaduct.
It’s easy to see why this line is so popular and we’re confident we will see more than one million journeys this year. We’re delighted to see that it’s been rightly recognised as one of the most scenic trips in Europe and we’re looking forward to the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary.