As a Curlew song subsided ‘Tangmere’ then took over as it huffed and puffed crossing the Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales.
This audio experience of a Battle of Britain class steam engine from the 1940’s then broke the near silence of the Moors.
Crossing the 24 arches and then skimming past our holiday accommodation at the station Masters House at Ribblehead Station.
Arriving at Station Masters House at Ribblehead.
A remote and wild location. Yet cosy and warm for a chilly Easter holiday period stay.
Forming a part of the Carlisle to Leeds railway line that has been saved not once, but twice!
The line provides one of the most charming and memorable rides through not only the the Yorkshire Dales but the UK too.
Ribblehead Viaduct and its 24 arches on the Carlisle to Settle line.
Settle to Carlisle Railway forms a unique partnership with company staff and volunteers working with the rail operator Northern Railways.
Cafe And Information At Ribblehead Station.
Ribblehead station has an informative visitors centre and a delightful cafe all run by volunteers.
I was amazed to actually find a buffet service on the Northern train I boarded from the station to nearby Settle. Please Note: South Western Railways!
Ribblehead Station on the Carlisle to Settle line.
Guiding the cart a female volunteer with the Settle to Carlisle railway served out drink and snacks. She boarded the train at Appleby to offer this well received service for it’s passengers.
Catering For Its Passengers
Vacating at Settle she traveled back north to Appleby once again.
Buffet cart provided by volunteers on the Carlisle to Settle line.
One dedicated volunteer at Ribblehead station had traveled from Keighley. Just over an hour away in order to help operate the cafe and visitor centre.
I was really impressed with the efforts these people put in. And does certainly improve the overall travel experience.
Which, as well as commuters and tourists using it there is also a busy freight service too.
The regular trains make the journey up and back from Leeds to Carlisle just south of the Scottish border.
Station Masters House really close to the action on the Carlisle to Settle line.
Regular horns and toots are all part of the stay at the Station Masters House.
Located Midway Between Carlisle and Leeds
Sounds of the trains and the curlew’s do have a ring of appearing almost in a one of Alan Plater’s, Biederbeck trilogy stories.
With his characters often making excursions to the Dales or even. Dare, I mention it ‘The Lancashire Border?
Settle Down sign at Settle Station..
Providing a base for either walking or touring the Station Masters house is located mid-distance between Carlisle and Leeds, so it’s possible to have easy days out by rail to those cities too.
Settle is described as vibrant market town in what was the West Riding of Yorkshire. A market square with numerous shops, cafes and eateries a short walk from Settle station.
Naked Man Cafe, Settle.
The station is nearby to the famous public school of Giggleswick.
With the former water tower at the station approach which was the subject of Grand Designs TV redesign show. Here the owner created a home within it’s giant former railway water tank!
Former water tower turned into a home at Settle Station.
Settle Up And Down
Amusing signs at the station which when used to pair with Up or Down make for a bit of English, Yorkshire or railway humour?
Amusing sign Settle station.
Nearby excursions could take you to Kirby Lonsdale on the River Lune just over the border in Westmorland. Therefore on the very edge of the Lake District too.
Here the 13th century Devils Bridge which at one time was the only bridge over the river for miles.
Devils Bridge Kirby Lonsdale.
A tale of a local woman outwitting the Devil after he had built it for her. This was all part of the myth surrounding it.
From St Mary’s churchyard you can take in ‘Ruskin’s View’.
Ruskin’s View from St Mary’s Church Kirby Longsdale.
A panorama painted by JMW Turner that so impressed the art critic, painter and poet John Ruskin, that he later wrote: ‘I do not know in all my country, still less in France or Italy, a place more naturally divine.’
A view of the hills and the river Lune valley.
Visiting From Ribblehead Station Masters House
The town is compact has many independent shops and businesses. Plus pubs, restaurants and cafes to sample the local foods from.
A 7 mile drive from Ribblehead of even a meandering walk to Ingelton where you can track down the caves and waterfalls of the area.
White Scar Cave a series of subterranean caves where a tour can take around an hour. Or a 3 to 4 hour (4.5 miles) circular tour called the Ingelton Waterfalls Trail to view a series of 6 falls.
Ribblehead on the Carlisle to Settle train line.
Also the town is home to Seasons Bakery where they produce and outstanding amount of bakery products. From rye sourdough to black pudding sausage roll and cakes in all shapes, flavours. With a sizeable Cumberland sausage roll being a fav of mine.
Although, I did not make it to Leeds. I did have a visit to Carlisle and with the station being very close the Castle and the town’s museum are in very easy walking distance.
Back at Ribblehead the trains ebb and flow back and forth past the cottage as you ‘settle in’ to your holiday home.
Cosy Up in the Station Masters House
Tucking into an evening meal prepared in its well fitted modern kitchen and then relaxing in front of its warming open fire as the trains continue to run with the sun setting.
Comfy lounge at the Station Masters house.
Two bedrooms, a large bathroom and shower complete the neat package. Which is great for small family, friends or two couples.
Sitting metres from the track the trundling rolling stock passing by at regular intervals. Most are the modern diesels. But the highlights are of course the almost living giants that leave those memories in your senses of the steam and smoke!
Witness and enjoy them from the Station Masters house at Ribblehead and of course the Yorkshire Dales.
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