Ultimate guide to the Settle-Carlisle Railway [2024]
The Settle-Carlisle Railway is one of the most iconic and scenic railway journeys in the world. It’s 72 miles go through the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley, and takes in the most breathtaking views. It’s also a railway line I’ve lived by my whole life, and a place I’ve called work for the last year!
The Settle-Carlisle Railway was my first ever train journey, and it continues to be one of my favourites. It’s what sparked my love of train travel, and there’s a reason it’s called one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. There is such a unique history to the line, but it’s the views that really make it stand out.
Having worked for the Settle-Carlisle Railway for over a year, I have a newfound appreciation for this line too. I spend a lot of time on it, talking about it, promoting it and encouraging people to travel along it! I wanted to put all of this together for you, and create you an ultimate guide, from someone who travels along it every week!
Table of Contents
Why you need to travel along the Settle-Carlisle Railway
I may be biased, but the Settle-Carlisle line is truly a gorgeous journey.
The landscapes you will see are awe inspiring and you really get to see the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley.
Travelling over the Ribblehead Viaduct is an experience; surrounded by the Yorkshire Three Peaks, whatever the weather you will get an amazing view.
Slow travel is my favourite way to travel, and to truly experience this stunning scenery, train travel is the best way as you get to be actually in it, and up close to it.
Where does the Settle-Carlisle Railway travel between?
The Settle-Carlisle railway starts in Carlisle, runs the 72 miles to Settle and the onto Leeds.
If you’re happy to change trains, you can easily travel from Scotland, Yorkshire, Newcastle and Lancashire and travel for the day.
There are stations throughout Cumbria (Cumberland and Westmorland) and Yorkshire, and you can explore;
- Carlisle
- Armathwaite
- Lazonby and Kirkoswald
- Langwathby
- Appleby
- Kirkby Stephen
- Garsdale
- Dent
- Ribblehead
- Horton-in-Ribblesdale
- Settle
The line carries on southbound towards Leeds, stopping at stations including Skipton and Keighley.
Settle-Carlisle Railway tickets
There’s a regular, daily, service ran by Northern – you can view the timetable here.
There are plenty of way to buy tickets – you can buy them online, at the macheine at stations or by going to the booking office at the station (my favourite way!)
Don’t forget you can save money by using your railcard, and if you live along the Settle-Carlisle line, you can get a Dales Railcard.
Can I travel on a steam train?
Ah, steam trains – there really is something magical about seeing steam trains go over the Settle-Carlisle line, especially over the Ribblehead Viaduct.
To travel by steam, you have to book on, and they usually start further afield at York and London. The best way to find the latest steam trains is by looking at Rail Advent.
What to do along the Settle-Carlisle Railway
A lot of people assume that the Settle-Carlisle railway journey is just hopping on a train at Carlisle or Leeds and doing the whole journey. However there is so much to do along the line where you can explore more of the inspiring landscape.
Exploring the stations
When travelling along the Settle-Carlisle Railway, you can stop at the following stations;
- Carlisle
- Armathwaite
- Lazonby and Kirkoswald
- Langwathby
- Appleby
- Kirkby Stephen
- Garsdale
- Dent
- Ribblehead
- Horton-in-Ribblesdale
- Settle
- Long Preston
- Hellifield
- Gargrave
- Skipton
- Keighley
- Bingley
- Shipley
- Leeds
Each city, town and village is unique and worth exploring. From England’s Highest Station (Dent) where you can do a lot of walking, to the first class breakfasts at Hellifiled Station, to quaint galleries in Appleby.
Here is a little run down of what to expect when you get off at each station;
Carlisle Station
Situated in the center of the city, Carlisle Station is where many start their journey on the Settle-Carlisle Railway.
Connected to Scotland and the West Coast Mainline, there are regular services here from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, London, Manchester and Birmingham.
To get into the main shopping area, it’s about a 5-minute walk.
Armathwaite Station & the Settle-Carlisle Railway Signal Box
Armathwaite is a small village with great links to walks along the River Eden. If you walk south from the village, you can see five carvings of remarkable faces carved in the sandstone cliff.
On Sundays, you can visit the Signal Box, which was fully restored by the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle line, and you can see how they work.
Lazonby and Kirkoswald
Lazonby and Kirkoswald are two separate villages, both in walking distance of the railway station.
In the summer, you can take full advantage of the outdoor swimming pool and visit by train!
Langwathby
There’s a real gem in Langwathby which is Saddlebacks – a brilliant coffee van which parks up daily on the village green.
Serving homemade cakes, locally sourced bacon and sausage sandwiches which are freshly prepared, and the most delicious coffee – you won’t be disappointed!
You can also access the river Eden walks from here, where there are some lovely riverside walks.
Appleby-in-Westmorland things to do
Appleby Station is at the top of a hill, about a 5-minute walk down into the town.
Once you walk into the town, you will be greeted by independent cafes, such as Bojangles, Riverside cafe and the Appleby Hub, and many independent shops like Jack and Co, Courtyard Gallery and Blue Poppy. There’s also an Italian Restaurant, Angelo’s, and a number of pubs.
You can also visit the Castle, and do a lovely round walk around the River Eden.
Kirkby Stephen Station
Kirkby Stephen Station is about a 20 minute walk from the town center, but it’s worth the walk!
Much like Appleby, this quirky market town is host to a number of independent businesses to support. It also has a wide range of walks, including the Poets Walk and Smardale Gill Viaduct
Garsdale Station & Ruswarp
When you get to Garsdale Station, you will see a statue of Ruswarp; a border collie who stood guard over his owner, Graham Nuttall’s, body for 11 weeks when he went missing walking. Graham Nuttall played a prominent role in the campaign to save the Settle-Carlisle line and this is a way of saying thank you to them both.
From Garsdale, you can catch the Little White Bus which will take you into Hawes so you can explore more of the Yorkshire Dales.
Dent, England’s highest Mainland Station
Dent sits 1,150 feet above sea level and has some gorgeous views from the train. If you fancy exploring the area, make sure to have your hiking boots as the station is about 4 miles from the village with a steep hill to climb on your way back.
Having said that, the walks and views here are gorgeous and perfect for anyone wanting to explore further into the Yorkshire Dales
Ribblehead
When people think of the Settle-Carlisle Railway, the Ribblehead Viaduct is often what comes to mind!
Also known as Batty Moss Viaduct, the Ribblehead Viaduct is 440m long and 32m high – and it really is awe inspiring when you’re there.
The viaduct was built between 1870 and 1875, and was the last main railway to be built primarilriy by maual labour. Built by the Navvi’s, over 2000 men were involved in building this iconic structure , and over 100 people died whilst building it.
Between April and October, the station’s cafe and visitor center is open, and for delicious pub grub head to The Station Inn pub, a two minute walk away.
To get to the viaduct, it’s around a 10 minute walk from the station, and you will be amazed by it, I promise you!
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Horton-in-Ribblesdale is a small village nestled between the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
A short walk from the station brings you into the village of Horton, sitting either side of the of the river Ribble and under the flanks of Pen-y-Ghent, the lowest of the 3 peaks.
Settle Station
Settle Station is about a 4 minute walk into the town where, much like Appleby and Kirkby Stephen, you’ll find a whole range of independent shops and cafes.
When you’re at the station, make sure to keep an eye out for the hidden Mickey Mouse!
Things to do in Carlisle
Carlisle is the capital of Cumbria and is a small city with a lot to offer.
Explore the stunning architechture in the historic quarter – Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle – or one of the many independent cafes and restaurants. There’s a brilliant museum, Tullie House, and some brilliant book shops.
Things to do in Settle
Settle is a quaint little market town, with a whole host of independent shops and cafes. You can spend a day here exploring all of the little shops.
There’s a great hike up to Castleberg Rock where you can get stunning views over Settle and the rolling Yorkshire Dales.
Make sure to get a coffee from Fuelling the Bold – the coffee here is incredible!!
Things to do in Leeds
Leeds is one of my favourite cities as there’s so much to do.
From exploring the brilliant independent shops and stalls in the Corn Exchange and Leeds Markets, to local museums and the wide range of food and drink places.
Brunch is my favourite meal, and you can read my top 5 brunch spots in Leeds.
Settle-Carlisle Railway closure
Don’t worry, there’s no sign of the Settle-Carlisle Railway closing any time soon. However, in the 1980’s, the line was nearly closed for good.
In the 1980’s, British Rail decided that the upkeep of the Settle-Carlisle Railway line wasn’t cost efficient, so they were going to close the line. This gained a lot of publicity and anger, which led to a hige increase in passengers to show the line needed to be kept open. When the campaign began in 1983, there were 93,000 journey’s that year. By 1989, that rose to 450,000.
This led to an overturn of the decision and the line is still open today!
So there is your guide to the Settle-Carlisle Railway. If you have any questions, leave a comment or DM me on instagram. Train travel is truly a passion of mine, so in 2024 expect more scenic train journey’s which I’ll be sharing on here!
