On the right track
Dawdle through some of the UK’s finest countryside on our selection of branch lines from the national rail network. You might even bump into Michael Portillo! By Andrew Eames
The Settle-Carlisle, Yorkshire/Cumbria
This iconic line is known for its architecture, its setting in the dramatic Yorkshire Dales, and its battle to stay alive. Its most famous landmark is the Ribblehead Viaduct, whose 24 giant stone arches stride across the moor at Batty Moss, bearing regular steamhauled specials.
Its Victorian station stops are ideal for hikers, with Dent the highest on England’s mainlines, and Appleby hosting an annual horse fair.
The line came very close to closure in 1989, but a public campaign generated so much interest that its passenger traffic has increased tenfold. Now an army of volunteers takes care of station buildings, some of which are self-catering accommodation, even though the route is still part of Network Rail (settle-carlisle.co.uk).
Esk Valley Railway, Middlesbrough to Whitby
This short but varied route, from the urban sprawl of Middlesbrough to the seaside resort of Whitby, is very busy on summer weekends. You know you’ve properly left the city when Roseberry Topping (1,052 ft) looms up, and Danby just down the line is the location of the North York Moors National Park centre, well served by the Moorsbus network.
At Grosmont, steam-hauled trains from the North York Moors Railway share the line as it follows the bosky Esk, Yorkshire’s foremost salmon and sea trout river, to where it hits the sea at Whitby, Yorkshire’s fish and chip nirvana. Watch out for chip-addicted seagulls, though.
(eskvalleyrailway.co.uk).