Appleby Station
Located on the world-famous Settle to Carlisle railway line.
Since the 1960's, rural lines had faced an especially hard challenge as car ownership grew, passenger numbers dwindled and freight services were lost to road transport. In a bid to cut losses, services were reduced, adding to a downward spiral.
The Settle-Carlisle line was especially vulnerable, running parallel to the West Coast Main Line for much of its route. The Settle to Carlisle line was only constructed by the Midland Railway in the 1870's due to the high charges being levied by the rival railway, the London & North Western. Victorian railways made money from moving freight.
The line was saved from closure in 1989, this starting a renaissance in rural railway lines in Britain.
Rather than focusing on profit/loss, rural lines started being looked at for their economic benefits, and ways the railways could be more part of the community they serve. This in turn generated more passengers, and services have been improved. Railtrack and Network Rail invested in the infrastructure and now many long distance freight services run over the route, with freight flows also being generated on the line, gypsum, and aggregates.
It was the range of individuals and organisations that worked so hard to keep the line open over 3 decades ago.
This is one from West Riding Ramblers archives , which gives an insight into the re-opening of the abandoned rural stations on the line in the 1970's.
Or this over view from the BBC Settle-Carlisle line thriving 30 years on after closure threat from December 2013
Appleby station has been transformed through the hard work of Northern Rail, their staff
Friends of the Settle to Carlisle Line
and
the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company
Their work has restored stations to the former Midland Railway splendour, found new uses for old buildings, (even converting some to holiday accommodation, see Having a holiday without a car page)
In addition, added catering trolleys to trains and linking stations, railway staff and railway companies with the communities the line serves. All the stations are attractive, and welcoming.
Today the railway is an important part of the National Railway Network, with regular trains running daily between Leeds and Carlisle. Many freight services also use the line.
The Real Times Train website shows services stopping or passenger through Appleby in the next hour
Special Heritage Trains at Appleby
Photo above: 2 special charter trains at Appleby Summer 2020
Throughout the year, special heritage train, either call or pass through Appleby station.
In 1991, through the Appleby Round table a Water Tower was installed at appleby so Southbound trains could be refilled with water.
Photo above Steam Engine 8F Number 48151 fills at the water tower at Appleby station, Summer 2020
The Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company aim to welcome these visitors with a souvenir and ice cream stall.
Photo above: In a little over 10 minutes at Appleby Railway station, over 130 ice creams were dispensed, passenger have also taken photographs of the steam engine being refilled with water, from the water tower funded by Appleby Round Table.
York Dalesman July 2021
Updated 20.10.2020