South Tynedale Railway - Alston,
Cumbria.
The South Tynedale Railway is a 2ft (61cm) gauge line, running northwards
from the Alston terminus along the former Alston-Haltwhistle branch alignment.
Until recently the line was open to the public for 1.5 miles to Gilderdale Halt.
Following approval from HM Railway Inspectorate in early September 1999, the
Railway is now open a further mile to Kirkhaugh (2.5 miles from Alston). The
opening of the extension is a triumph for the small number of volunteers who
have put years of effort into re-laying the line.
The original standard-gauge railway was a branch from the Newcastle-Carlisle
line; falling victim to BR cuts, this branch was closed in 1976, the rails being
torn up and sold as scrap immediately following the closure. Some of the
stations were sold as domestic accommodation, whilst the Alston station site was
intended for light industrial development.
Formed in 1973 with the initial intention of buying the branch intact, the
South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society failed to secure the sale of the
railway. As a consequence, in 1977 the decision was made to build a narrow-gauge
railway northwards out of the Alston terminus. Following complex negotiations to
gain use of the trackbed, tracklaying commenced in 1980 and the first
three-quarter mile stretch to a temporary halt was opened in 1983. The link into
the more permanent Gilderdale Halt subsequently opened in 1987, and the
extension to Kirkhaugh opened in 1999. Future plans aim to extend first to
Lintley and then Slaggyford, five miles from Alston. Further extension beyond
Slaggyford has not been ruled out, but is not likely for some time.
The line is run on a volunteer basis, being maintained and operated by a
dedicated group of enthusiasts. With only 30-40 active volunteers, there is
plenty of opportunity to get involved!
My aim with this page is to give you some idea of the atmosphere of the
railway, in the hope that you may visit (and have some fun!).
You have permission to use the images on this site for personal use.
Start the tour :