Wensleydale Railway 21 August 2018
I visited the Railway Tuesday 21 August 2018. I'm currently engaged in "heritage" railway visits mid-week to the see the state-of-play through the lens of regular punters. For myself it was a 538 mile round trip at a cost of £94.25 in train and bus fares. The cost of the Railway visit was £15. This was my 19th heritage railway visited in 2018.
First leg of the trip was the 06:19 Horsham to Victoria 07:12 Southern service. Second leg was the Victoria Line to Kings Cross. Third leg was the GCR 08:06 to Northallerton 10:30:
The head-rest “wings” at the top of the GCR seats are a little annoying. There was no visible pantograph on the train, acceleration was sluggish and the front end is a disaster. There was an AC leak in one of the carriages. The TM did ask passengers to sit in their reserved seats and there was little evidence of musical chairs. I used the buffet to purchase Second Breakfast, porridge and coffee. The service was delayed at York arriving Northallerton 11:08 due to a bridge strike. We were kept informed of the delay by the TM.
Fourth and final leg Dales & District 73 11:39 arriving 11:54. [Bus details at end of the report.]
On arrival at Leeming Bar station the “Ticket Office” was found located in a coach in the bay platform. The ticket clerk was very friendly and engaged in conversation readily. After sizing me up he correctly deduced I wasn’t entitled for a concession. I explained I intended to travel to Redmire then back to Leyburn to take on refreshments then back to Redmire and return on the kettle hauled train. He confirmed that was a good plan as “there is not much to do at Redmire” apart from the Bolton Arms. Ticket purchased was a £15 return. Walking through the shop I entered a 4-BIG buffet car which serves as the cafe; yay! I purchased sandwiches etc. plus chilled bottled ale and was given an explanation of the upside-down sheep on the bottle. Again staff very friendly. I heard later that sandwiches at Leyburn sold out quite early so some punters went hungry. Golden rule is to buy food when you see it
Looking around the station an unrestored 9F and a Teddybear could be seen. In the distance past the Signal Box an industrial shunter.
Two services were running: (1) two DMU plus Bubble Car. Unfortunately the Bubble Car was locked out-of-use as "there is only one ticket inspector” and somewhere up the line (2) J27 plus rake of MK 1 including a WCRC Harry Potter filming coach. The J27 really looked the part and the Harry Potter coach was very popular.
I traveled on the Leeming Bar 12:45 DMU to Redmire arriving 13:53. One DMU car had authentic vintage GOBLIN route maps so I felt quite at home. The punters consisted mainly of “Tea and Cake” visitors also seen at garden centres etc. There were three other people arriving at Leeming Bar via train and bus thus, as is the norm at heritage railways, most visitors arrived by car. There were a much smaller number of families. I detected one maybe two “enthusiasts”.
As we departed Leeming Bar, a 33, 37, a smart looking coach and some DMU cars were observed. Then under a large road bridge and an AHB level crossing. I counted at least two gated manned crossings which entailed much hooting, whistling and use of crossing flags. There were also numerous occupation crossings and a fair few TSR. The line is often quoted as 22 miles. In fact this is the distance from Northallerton to Redmire. The distance from Leeming Bar to Redmire is 16 miles and 13 chains.
Bedale was a popular station with many alighting/joining. It is located on tight curve for some strange reason. A fair few dogs on boarded and I see they are charged only £1. I was told not to lean out of the window, the first time this year during 21 heritage railway visits, however this was good advise as in many locations the vegetation and train interfaced. I joked later to the Station Master at Leyburn that BIL was having the scratches buffed out at York as we passed by in the morning. We passed the J27 at the Constable Burton loop west of Finghall Lane.
On arrival at Redmire I decided not to visit the Bolton Arms so stayed on the DMU forming the Redmire 14:03 arriving Leyburn 14:21. At Leyburn I took tea and cake from the station cafe. The cake was just about sold out soon after the DMU arrival, the staff saying it was difficult to predict how many people would attend. As mentioned previously, sandwiches there were none to be found. I went in search of the Wensleydale Brewery but couldn’t find it. There is a contemporary water tower at the west end of the platform fed from a large tank, via a pipe under the track, on the north side of the line. The water pressure I was told, which will obviously be reduced by around 5 metres, was such that filling the kettles took too long and a pump may be fitted. A desire to install a vintage column is present although I suggested spending money on the PW to reduce the TSR would in my opinion be a higher priority.
The Station Master was very friendly and engaged in conversation readily. The length of the line and number of occupation crossings was mentioned as being operationally challenging. I was told (unprompted) that two crossing east of Leeming Bar required automated barriers and train detection equipment before any consideration of re-opening to Northallerton West.
The J27 plus happy punters arrived around 15:37 from Leeming Bar, was topped up with water and departed a little late after 15:44. Back to Redmire arriving a little after booked time of 16:04 followed by a quick turn around departing a little after 16:20. The loco disappears off into the distance for the turn-around loop with vegetation and infrastructure getting in the way of photo opportunities and sight of the MOD sidings. At the east end of the station there is a bank behind the platform which allows good viewing.
Just a ten minutes stop at Leyburn, token hand-over at Constable Burton loop. The sun had come out for the return trip and the countryside looked glorious. As we passed one of the manned gated crossings the J27 whistled repeatedly and two children at the gate jumped up and down squealing in delight and waving furiously. The run into Leeming Bar saw the AHB crossing taken at line speed making for an exhilarating finale. Arrival was a few minutes before the booked time of 17:37.
A very impressive stream of passengers alighted Leeming Bar somewhat reminiscent to the scene in the Titfield Thunderbolt arriving at the junction station except bar four of us they all headed to their cars not the bus stop.
Caught the late running 17:40 73 bus to Northallerton followed by the 18:25 TPE to York. I tried to board the 18:09 Northallerton to KGX but the LNER TM wasn’t interested despite the light loading. At York I couldn’t be bothered to try for another early departure so had some food, took some pictures of an 802 in the evening light under the canopy and waited for my Advance 20:04 ex Aberdeen HST. I’d allowed such a large gap after repeated close calls on previous heritage railway trips. I’d love to be able to afford flexible tickets but alas they are rarely cost effective. I travelled in the Quite coach, which I now always book if possible, but found the HST seats hard and not that comfortable.
Right-time arrival KGX 22:08 where I hopped over to St Pancras and caught the 22:20 Brighton alighting at East Croydon. I didn’t alight at Peterborough or Stevenage for connecting services to Horsham as I didn’t want to take advantage of “new journey opportunities” and arrive home 36 or 15 minutes later than by staying on until KGX. 22:53 Southern service from ECR to Chichester arriving HRH 23:27.
I very much enjoyed Wensleydale Railway. The two-train service, long ride and marvellous scenery gave plenty of value, only £15! The Railway staff were very friendly and all engaged in easy conversation. My fellow punters were mainly the usual locally based non-enthusiasts who keep heritage railways running. The trains and buses delivered me to my destination but late running showed the wisdom of not planning tight connections. I recommend Wensleydale Railway and will gladly visit again.
Information
Wensleydale Railway: https://www.wensleydalerail.com/
Dales and District Bus: https://www.procterscoaches.com/dales-district-timetables/
Northallerton Departing
Turn left out of station and cross to other side of road via Pedestrian Crossing.
Stop is outside County Hall.
Dales & District 73 Bus, ticket price £4.55 Return.
Leeming Bar Arriving
Look for Corner House Hotel on right at mini roundabout and Simply Dutch ahead.
After roundabout, press Stop.
Stop is just past Pedestrian Crossing, opposite White Rose Hotel
Walk back to Pedestrian Crossing and cross the road.
Walk towards the mini roundabout.
Take the first exit and the station is just on the left.
Ticket Office is in a railway coach in the platform bay (not in the station building).
Leeming Bar Departing
Walk from station back towards White Rose Hotel.
Bus stop is just past the pub by the pub car-park.
Bus 73 to Northallerton Railway Station.
Northallerton Arriving
After turning off roundabout towards Town Centre, look for Level Crossing
Before railway bridge press Stop.
Stop is just past the Station.
I visited the Railway Tuesday 21 August 2018. I'm currently engaged in "heritage" railway visits mid-week to the see the state-of-play through the lens of regular punters. For myself it was a 538 mile round trip at a cost of £94.25 in train and bus fares. The cost of the Railway visit was £15. This was my 19th heritage railway visited in 2018.
First leg of the trip was the 06:19 Horsham to Victoria 07:12 Southern service. Second leg was the Victoria Line to Kings Cross. Third leg was the GCR 08:06 to Northallerton 10:30:
The head-rest “wings” at the top of the GCR seats are a little annoying. There was no visible pantograph on the train, acceleration was sluggish and the front end is a disaster. There was an AC leak in one of the carriages. The TM did ask passengers to sit in their reserved seats and there was little evidence of musical chairs. I used the buffet to purchase Second Breakfast, porridge and coffee. The service was delayed at York arriving Northallerton 11:08 due to a bridge strike. We were kept informed of the delay by the TM.
Fourth and final leg Dales & District 73 11:39 arriving 11:54. [Bus details at end of the report.]
On arrival at Leeming Bar station the “Ticket Office” was found located in a coach in the bay platform. The ticket clerk was very friendly and engaged in conversation readily. After sizing me up he correctly deduced I wasn’t entitled for a concession. I explained I intended to travel to Redmire then back to Leyburn to take on refreshments then back to Redmire and return on the kettle hauled train. He confirmed that was a good plan as “there is not much to do at Redmire” apart from the Bolton Arms. Ticket purchased was a £15 return. Walking through the shop I entered a 4-BIG buffet car which serves as the cafe; yay! I purchased sandwiches etc. plus chilled bottled ale and was given an explanation of the upside-down sheep on the bottle. Again staff very friendly. I heard later that sandwiches at Leyburn sold out quite early so some punters went hungry. Golden rule is to buy food when you see it
Looking around the station an unrestored 9F and a Teddybear could be seen. In the distance past the Signal Box an industrial shunter.
Two services were running: (1) two DMU plus Bubble Car. Unfortunately the Bubble Car was locked out-of-use as "there is only one ticket inspector” and somewhere up the line (2) J27 plus rake of MK 1 including a WCRC Harry Potter filming coach. The J27 really looked the part and the Harry Potter coach was very popular.
I traveled on the Leeming Bar 12:45 DMU to Redmire arriving 13:53. One DMU car had authentic vintage GOBLIN route maps so I felt quite at home. The punters consisted mainly of “Tea and Cake” visitors also seen at garden centres etc. There were three other people arriving at Leeming Bar via train and bus thus, as is the norm at heritage railways, most visitors arrived by car. There were a much smaller number of families. I detected one maybe two “enthusiasts”.
As we departed Leeming Bar, a 33, 37, a smart looking coach and some DMU cars were observed. Then under a large road bridge and an AHB level crossing. I counted at least two gated manned crossings which entailed much hooting, whistling and use of crossing flags. There were also numerous occupation crossings and a fair few TSR. The line is often quoted as 22 miles. In fact this is the distance from Northallerton to Redmire. The distance from Leeming Bar to Redmire is 16 miles and 13 chains.
Bedale was a popular station with many alighting/joining. It is located on tight curve for some strange reason. A fair few dogs on boarded and I see they are charged only £1. I was told not to lean out of the window, the first time this year during 21 heritage railway visits, however this was good advise as in many locations the vegetation and train interfaced. I joked later to the Station Master at Leyburn that BIL was having the scratches buffed out at York as we passed by in the morning. We passed the J27 at the Constable Burton loop west of Finghall Lane.
On arrival at Redmire I decided not to visit the Bolton Arms so stayed on the DMU forming the Redmire 14:03 arriving Leyburn 14:21. At Leyburn I took tea and cake from the station cafe. The cake was just about sold out soon after the DMU arrival, the staff saying it was difficult to predict how many people would attend. As mentioned previously, sandwiches there were none to be found. I went in search of the Wensleydale Brewery but couldn’t find it. There is a contemporary water tower at the west end of the platform fed from a large tank, via a pipe under the track, on the north side of the line. The water pressure I was told, which will obviously be reduced by around 5 metres, was such that filling the kettles took too long and a pump may be fitted. A desire to install a vintage column is present although I suggested spending money on the PW to reduce the TSR would in my opinion be a higher priority.
The Station Master was very friendly and engaged in conversation readily. The length of the line and number of occupation crossings was mentioned as being operationally challenging. I was told (unprompted) that two crossing east of Leeming Bar required automated barriers and train detection equipment before any consideration of re-opening to Northallerton West.
The J27 plus happy punters arrived around 15:37 from Leeming Bar, was topped up with water and departed a little late after 15:44. Back to Redmire arriving a little after booked time of 16:04 followed by a quick turn around departing a little after 16:20. The loco disappears off into the distance for the turn-around loop with vegetation and infrastructure getting in the way of photo opportunities and sight of the MOD sidings. At the east end of the station there is a bank behind the platform which allows good viewing.
Just a ten minutes stop at Leyburn, token hand-over at Constable Burton loop. The sun had come out for the return trip and the countryside looked glorious. As we passed one of the manned gated crossings the J27 whistled repeatedly and two children at the gate jumped up and down squealing in delight and waving furiously. The run into Leeming Bar saw the AHB crossing taken at line speed making for an exhilarating finale. Arrival was a few minutes before the booked time of 17:37.
A very impressive stream of passengers alighted Leeming Bar somewhat reminiscent to the scene in the Titfield Thunderbolt arriving at the junction station except bar four of us they all headed to their cars not the bus stop.
Caught the late running 17:40 73 bus to Northallerton followed by the 18:25 TPE to York. I tried to board the 18:09 Northallerton to KGX but the LNER TM wasn’t interested despite the light loading. At York I couldn’t be bothered to try for another early departure so had some food, took some pictures of an 802 in the evening light under the canopy and waited for my Advance 20:04 ex Aberdeen HST. I’d allowed such a large gap after repeated close calls on previous heritage railway trips. I’d love to be able to afford flexible tickets but alas they are rarely cost effective. I travelled in the Quite coach, which I now always book if possible, but found the HST seats hard and not that comfortable.
Right-time arrival KGX 22:08 where I hopped over to St Pancras and caught the 22:20 Brighton alighting at East Croydon. I didn’t alight at Peterborough or Stevenage for connecting services to Horsham as I didn’t want to take advantage of “new journey opportunities” and arrive home 36 or 15 minutes later than by staying on until KGX. 22:53 Southern service from ECR to Chichester arriving HRH 23:27.
I very much enjoyed Wensleydale Railway. The two-train service, long ride and marvellous scenery gave plenty of value, only £15! The Railway staff were very friendly and all engaged in easy conversation. My fellow punters were mainly the usual locally based non-enthusiasts who keep heritage railways running. The trains and buses delivered me to my destination but late running showed the wisdom of not planning tight connections. I recommend Wensleydale Railway and will gladly visit again.
Information
Wensleydale Railway: https://www.wensleydalerail.com/
Dales and District Bus: https://www.procterscoaches.com/dales-district-timetables/
Northallerton Departing
Turn left out of station and cross to other side of road via Pedestrian Crossing.
Stop is outside County Hall.
Dales & District 73 Bus, ticket price £4.55 Return.
Leeming Bar Arriving
Look for Corner House Hotel on right at mini roundabout and Simply Dutch ahead.
After roundabout, press Stop.
Stop is just past Pedestrian Crossing, opposite White Rose Hotel
Walk back to Pedestrian Crossing and cross the road.
Walk towards the mini roundabout.
Take the first exit and the station is just on the left.
Ticket Office is in a railway coach in the platform bay (not in the station building).
Leeming Bar Departing
Walk from station back towards White Rose Hotel.
Bus stop is just past the pub by the pub car-park.
Bus 73 to Northallerton Railway Station.
Northallerton Arriving
After turning off roundabout towards Town Centre, look for Level Crossing
Before railway bridge press Stop.
Stop is just past the Station.
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The other real option is a trip to Bolton Castle which is always worth a visit. it is a remarkably complete 14th century rectangular castle and can be seen in the distance from Redmire station. 
