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Settle–Carlisle line: Dales and Pennines by train
The Settle–Carlisle line runs about 72 miles across the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. It is one of the most famous railway journeys in Britain and nearly closed for good in the 1980s.
Route and stations
The line runs north from Settle (on the Leeds to Morecambe route) to Carlisle and has 19 stations. Wikipedia gives its length as both 71.75 and 73 miles. Stops include Settle, Horton in Ribblesdale, Ribblehead, Dent, Garsdale, Kirkby Stephen, Appleby and Langwathby. Dent is described as the highest railway station in England. The line crosses the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines, and the summit at Ais Gill, 1,169 feet (356 m), is the highest point reached by main-line trains in England.
Operator
Operator (checked November 2026): Northern Trains has operated passenger services since 1 March 2020, when the publicly run company took over. Network Rail manages the line.
Opening and the fight to save it
Goods traffic began in 1875 and passenger trains in 1876. In the 1980s British Rail planned to close the line. Rail groups, enthusiasts, councils and local people campaigned against that, and on 11 April 1989 the Secretary of State for Transport refused consent for closure. Passenger journeys rose from about 93,000 in 1983 to 450,000 in 1989 and 1.2 million in 2012.
Engineering
- Ribblehead Viaduct: 24 arches, 104 feet (32 m) high and 440 yards (402 m) long.
- Blea Moor Tunnel: 2,629 yards (2,404 m) long, about 500 feet (152 m) below the moor.
The viaduct is a short walk from Ribblehead station, and the best views are from the footpaths nearby. Wear proper footwear; it is exposed moorland.
Scenery
Expect big open skies and bare moorland, with the Yorkshire Dales at the southern end and the North Pennines further north. It is a gentler contrast with the Highland journeys on the West Highland Line. At Carlisle you can change for the Cumbrian Coast Line or the West Coast Main Line.
Visiting tips
Ribblehead is the best station to get off if you want to see the viaduct from the ground. Dent is the highest station in England, so expect exposed weather. Weather in the hills can change fast, so take a coat even in summer. Check Northern's timetable, as services are not frequent.
Timeline
- 1875: goods trains begin.
- 1876: passenger services begin.
- 1983: about 93,000 passenger journeys.
- 11 April 1989: closure refused by the Secretary of State.
- 1989: 450,000 journeys.
- 2012: 1.2 million journeys.
- 1 March 2020: Northern Trains takes over passenger services.
The track, stations and signalling are owned and managed by Network Rail. For live times, fares and engineering works, use National Rail Enquiries or the operator's website.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Settle–Carlisle line nearly closed?
British Rail planned to close it in the 1980s. After a campaign, the Secretary of State refused consent on 11 April 1989.
How many arches has Ribblehead Viaduct?
24, and it is 104 feet high and 440 yards long.
Which is the highest station in England?
Dent, on the Settle–Carlisle line, according to Wikipedia.