A busy day on the Settle and Carlisle
S&C diversions
25 March 1989
We were at New Street, on our way to join a railtour -
posters advertised timetable changes for the following Easter
weekend. Trains between Preston and Carlisle would be
subject to delays, and would not be calling at any
intermediate stations...
A week later, we headed up the M6, leaving at Preston for the
road to Clitheroe - trains would be following the former L&Y
route to Hellifield, where they would then join the Midland
route to Carlisle - via the Settle and Carlisle line. I had lots of
photos of steam specials on the line - but very few of "normal"
loco-hauled trains - in those days, the line saw just the sparse
passenger service - no freights.
We took a few pictures on the "Lanky line" - firstly at the well-
known "Whalley Arches", then around Clitheroe, before heading
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
further north. First S&C stop was Helwith Bridge, followed by
the obligatory Ribblehead shots. Further north again, we called
at Garsdale, then Ais Gill summit itself, before finally stopping
at Birkett Common.
A most productive day - good weather, and plenty of activity,
even if there was little variety in motive power (I expect we'll
miss them soon...). Apologies to those who are interested in the
numbers - I don't record them - but if anyone out there knows
what the numbers were (for the benefit of other visitors), please
let me know.
