The line
The Wensleydale Railway is an authentic Heritage Railway running through the Wensleydale countryside, from Scruton in the Vale of Mowbray to the village Redmire, on the edge of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales. The railway was built in stages by different railway companies and originally extended to Garsdale railway station on the Settle-Carlisle line. Since 2003, the remaining line has been run as a heritage railway.
Walks and activities
Scruton
Scruton is the most recently refurbished station. There is essentially no parking space at Scruton station and visitors are strongly advised to travel by train when visiting.
Leeming Bar
Leeming bar is the start of the Wensleydale Railway, where most of the journeys begin.
Bedale
Bedale is the second station on route, which has restored to its former glory thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers. Bedale is a small Georgian market town and one of the many gateways to the Dales.
Leyburn
Leyburn is a lively market town with lots of great walking opportunities. A short walk up to ‘The Shawl’ and you will get fantastic views across Wensleydale. There are also plenty of buses available giving you easy access to the Dales.
Redmire
Redmire is the end of the line at present. Currently, the Wensleydale Railway is not running its passenger service to Redmire whilst they relay the line to Leyburn. Once reopened, this is a great access point to the Dales. From the station are short walks to Bolton Castle or Redmire Force, or for a longer (but worthwhile) walk, stretch your legs to the three-tier waterfall at Aysgarth Falls.
Finghall Lane
Finghall Lane is a well preserved example of a rural station, the smallest on the line, and is a request stop. The station buildings were used in the filming of “All Creatures Great and Small” and more recently “The Yorkshire Vet”. There is no parking at Finghall Lane.
The Railway has an extensive range of events and experiences throughout the year, including it’s extremely popular Polar Express Train Ride at Christmas.
Access
You can start your journey at any of the stations along the line and you can hop on and off the train at intermediate stations as many times as you like. Or why not buy a single ticket and walk or cycle back?
The line is a predominantly heritage diesel line, with steam services operating over selected weekends, special events and the summer months.
The Dalesbus is a local services which runs throughout the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It holds extra services on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
More info
The 2023 train service timetable is on the Wensleydale Railway website.
- Information on train fares.
- Accommodation in the area.
- Dogs are very welcome to join their families on the railway.
The Wensleydale Railway have revealed plans for their new Pacers (railbuses built by British Rail between 1980 and 1987) – including bike trains and James Herriot tours.