Wensleydale Railway

[Iskra]

This line struggles to attract support, no steam, track beyond Leyburn has had to be taken out of use because of condition, running to Northallerton not possible on the ECML.

They hire in steam occasionally. Also they are working on the track beyond Leyburn and are making significant progress with it.

 

[alexl92]

This line's been on my to-do list for some years; I'm only an hour and a bit away but every time I've had a free day, either they haven't been running or one of their pacers has been in operation. As much as I absolutely want to support them, I cannot overstate the complete absence of interest on my part in riding on a pacer for pleasure.

The Bubble Car would be great as would diesel loco haulage.

On the subject of steam - I don't blame them at the moment. It's expensive and you need appropriate facilities which they recognise. The only time they currently hire it in is for their Polar Express season and a week or so afterwards for Winter Warmer services. Around 10 years ago they used to hire in for summer (The NELPG's J72 or P3), and they ran a wartime weekend at one stage with 35018 and also a special event with 60163 running some services a few years ago but I think realistically their current model of diesel haulage and blue/grey MK2s is a good one.

 

[50002Superb]

The Wensleydale Brewery’s tap room and shop is back open Fridays to Sundays now if that floats your boat - it’s just round the corner from Leyburn station

Sounds good to me!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==

Same details on Twitter and Instagram. Not sure if they use other socials - so the info looks legit even if the timetable hasn't yet changed.

Brill, thanks - that’s some of Saturday sorted then.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==

This line's been on my to-do list for some years; I'm only an hour and a bit away but every time I've had a free day, either they haven't been running or one of their pacers has been in operation. As much as I absolutely want to support them, I cannot overstate the complete absence of interest on my part in riding on a pacer for pleasure.

The Bubble Car would be great as would diesel loco haulage.

On the subject of steam - I don't blame them at the moment. It's expensive and you need appropriate facilities which they recognise. The only time they currently hire it in is for their Polar Express season and a week or so afterwards for Winter Warmer services. Around 10 years ago they used to hire in for summer (The NELPG's J72 or P3), and they ran a wartime weekend at one stage with 35018 and also a special event with 60163 running some services a few years ago but I think realistically their current model of diesel haulage and blue/grey MK2s is a good one.

Exactly the same for me too

 

[SwindonManor]

There is the wensleydale creamery nearby which is good as well as:

The Wensleydale Brewery’s tap room and shop is back open Fridays to Sundays now if that floats your boat - it’s just round the corner from Leyburn station

There are other things to do in the vicinity so it's worth combining the railway with something else.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==

I admit I am sad about the "I'm not going for a pacer" attitude here. Firstly, if you go on a Scruton day then services down here are operated by a pacer shuttle anyways. Secondly, I reiterate that I enjoyed the line with a 143 - my favourite 14x fleet member (but I am sad I didn't get a 47 or 37 or 14 or any other of the great diesels in their fleet). I did have doubts at first when I realised I might be in for a ride on a pacer (especially because they have 9 pacers - although they don't all work I don't think) but I got over it. If you judged a visit based on rolling stock/locos running you wouldn't go anywhere!

 

[SuspectUsual]

There is the wensleydale creamery nearby which is good as well as:

The creamery is just outside Hawes, about 17 miles from Leyburn. Not quite sure that qualifies as nearby, especially as buses up there are extremely limited.

 

[50002Superb]

There is the wensleydale creamery nearby which is good as well as:

There are other things to do in the vicinity so it's worth combining the railway with something else.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==

I admit I am sad about the "I'm not going for a pacer" attitude here. Firstly, if you go on a Scruton day then services down here are operated by a pacer shuttle anyways. Secondly, I reiterate that I enjoyed the line with a 143 - my favourite 14x fleet member (but I am sad I didn't get a 47 or 37 or 14 or any other of the great diesels in their fleet). I did have doubts at first when I realised I might be in for a ride on a pacer (especially because they have 9 pacers - although they don't all work I don't think) but I got over it. If you judged a visit based on rolling stock/locos running you wouldn't go anywhere!

Time is arguably my rarest commodity so when I do have time to visit a heritage railway then I have minimum expectations to make it worthwhile and personally for me a pacer is a real put off.

I went to the MRC last year and only the 141 was working and it just felt like a wasted opportunity, particularly when 73001 was working the EVR on the same day.

 

[HertiageFan]

There is the wensleydale creamery nearby which is good as well as:

There are other things to do in the vicinity so it's worth combining the railway with something else.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==

I admit I am sad about the "I'm not going for a pacer" attitude here. Firstly, if you go on a Scruton day then services down here are operated by a pacer shuttle anyways. Secondly, I reiterate that I enjoyed the line with a 143 - my favourite 14x fleet member (but I am sad I didn't get a 47 or 37 or 14 or any other of the great diesels in their fleet). I did have doubts at first when I realised I might be in for a ride on a pacer (especially because they have 9 pacers - although they don't all work I don't think) but I got over it. If you judged a visit based on rolling stock/locos running you wouldn't go anywhere!

The 121 usually does the shuttles except for peak mid summer season

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==

This line's been on my to-do list for some years; I'm only an hour and a bit away but every time I've had a free day, either they haven't been running or one of their pacers has been in operation. As much as I absolutely want to support them, I cannot overstate the complete absence of interest on my part in riding on a pacer for pleasure.

The Bubble Car would be great as would diesel loco haulage.

On the subject of steam - I don't blame them at the moment. It's expensive and you need appropriate facilities which they recognise. The only time they currently hire it in is for their Polar Express season and a week or so afterwards for Winter Warmer services. Around 10 years ago they used to hire in for summer (The NELPG's J72 or P3), and they ran a wartime weekend at one stage with 35018 and also a special event with 60163 running some services a few years ago but I think realistically their current model of diesel haulage and blue/grey MK2s is a good one.

60163 ran for free, I was talking to a volunteer about it, something to do with the chairman’s of the trust..

 

[alexl92]

The 121 usually does the shuttles except for peak mid summer season

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2026 ==


60163 ran for free, I was talking to a volunteer about it, something to do with the chairman’s of the trust..

I think Steve Davies is in senior roles at both organisations.

 

[SwindonManor]

The creamery is just outside Hawes, about 17 miles from Leyburn. Not quite sure that qualifies as nearby, especially as buses up there are extremely limited.

Depends on if you have a car

 

[37069]

I think Steve Davies is in senior roles at both organisations.

No longer I believe - https://find-and-update.company-inf...cers/MXNgAG97p7sWdvMOkyjxJpFTzMI/appointments

The only director of TWRC Ltd is one David Smith. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02746083/officers

Separately, there is the Wensleydale Railway PLC - https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04093919/officers

 

[SuspectUsual]

Depends on if you have a car

Indeed, but:

1 - the overwhelming majority of visitors arrive at the Leeming end of the railway as that’s where the A1 is

2 - going to the Leyburn end reduces your flexibility a lot as the WR only runs a pretty limited timetable and it’s run from the Leeming end so anyone starting at Leyburn effectively has one fewer train to choose from

 

[geoffk]

The Wensleydale Railway has had steam in the past but, according to my photo list, the last I saw was in 2012. It's an interesting ride whatever the traction and there's also the cheese factory and shop at nearby Hawes.

 

[moorsman]

Hi All,

I’m contemplating visiting the Wensleydale Railway on 25 April and see that the light blue timetable is operating. Does anyone know what is likely to be rostered to be working that day?

Many thanks
50002Superb

It's loco hauled services as there is a Gin Train running that day.

 

[yorkshirerail]

Hi All,

I’m contemplating visiting the Wensleydale Railway on 25 April and see that the light blue timetable is operating. Does anyone know what is likely to be rostered to be working that day?

Many thanks
50002Superb

37250 rostered for that date

 

[50002Superb]

Thanks both

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Apr 2026 ==

Had a phenomenal trip to the Wensleydale Railway today and would highly recommend a visit.

We started at Leeming Bar and took the trip to Leyburn and back on 37250.

Interestingly that we you get back, just short of Leeming Bar, that they remove 37250 and swap it with 47714 so that 37250 can be at the front for the next trip back to Leyburn so technically had haulage behind both of them.

On our return to Leeming Bar one of the volunteers gave us a tour of the shed and then brought 03144 into the station so we can could have a tour of the cab.

I’ll attach some pics below.

I will definitely come again at some point in the future.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Apr 2026 ==

Some more photos

 

[HertiageFan]

Thanks both

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Apr 2026 ==

Had a phenomenal trip to the Wensleydale Railway today and would highly recommend a visit.

We started at Leeming Bar and took the trip to Leyburn and back on 37250.

Interestingly that we you get back, just short of Leeming Bar, that they remove 37250 and swap it with 47714 so that 37250 can be at the front for the next trip back to Leyburn so technically had haulage behind both of them.

On our return to Leeming Bar one of the volunteers gave us a tour of the shed and then brought 03144 into the station so we can could have a tour of the cab.

I’ll attach some pics below.

I will definitely come again at some point in the future.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Apr 2026 ==

Some more photos

Yes they often shunt release unless the loop is free, often it isn’t

 

[SuspectUsual]

On our return to Leeming Bar one of the volunteers gave us a tour of the shed and then brought 03144 into the station so we can could have a tour of the cab.

I saw the 03 coming into the platform when I was driving to the tip earlier, I wondered what they were up to

 

[47434]

The line struggles to attract support, but it's still really nice.
The diesel offering packs a punch for the quite limited funding it gets. And their home fleet Diesel Gala is quite good, quiet, and with a half decent mix of traction (33, 37, 47 and possible 14s) plus the Blue Grey stock, and much quieter than some of the big ones.

It has a few challenges - length being one of them other than for the mileage aficionados...for the ordinary punter, 22 miles is simply far too long. Kids are bored after 3-4 miles. It is a long siding with an out of service loop in the middle of a forest.

That said, for those who like diesel traction it is great and they are putting out more locos/stock this year. Pacers remain on the quiet days.

And the cake at Leyburn Station is amazing! Homemade by a volunteer.

 

[HertiageFan]

37421 announced for their diesel gala, 33035 will now not run at the gala
Update: 15/05/26
33035 will now be running as well as 47714, 37250 and the class 121

 

[47403]

37421 was pulled from the Wensleydale mini Diesel Gala but Colas have kindly sent 37254 instead and it arrived there last night.

 

[xotGD]

37421 was pulled from the Wensleydale mini Diesel Gala but Colas have kindly sent 37254 instead and it arrived there last night.

Thanks for sharing the gen - I would have missed this otherwise.

Looks like I now have plans for Monday.

 

[HertiageFan]

Thanks for sharing the gen - I would have missed this otherwise.

Looks like I now have plans for Monday.

37254 and 37250 are supposed to double head. The 14s haven’t been out for a while…

 

[SuspectUsual]

Lots of thrash coming across the field as they leave Bedale.

And for anyone in the area who is that way inclined, there's a beer festival just down the road at the Green Dragon in Exelby all (long) weekend. 30 beers and five ciders, plus food and music

[EDIT]

I bumped into their 33 on my walk into Bedale earlier, here's a photo

 

[47403]

37254 and 37250 are supposed to double head. The 14s haven’t been out for a while…

37250 and 254 double headed or singley, made the most noise I ever heard from a pair of 37s on a preserved line yesterday. They were simply superb. A great day was had. MY advice, should you want it get yourself there Mr xot.

 

[xotGD]

254 looking suitably filthy in those phots. That's what 250 used to be like when it was one of Gateshead's finest.

I'll be there tomorrow, make no mistake!

 

[47403]

254 looking suitably filthy in those phots. That's what 250 used to be like when it was one of Gateshead's finest.

I'll be there tomorrow, make no mistake!

I was told yesterday, they tried to wash it on Friday evening and couldnt get the crud off Im guessing its on your required list. If you need it, there's no surprise learning it was on my required list too. Then again so was 37421. However as much as I needed 421, I think we hit the jackpot getting 254. An NB one was always better than one with ETH I was always told..

 

[xotGD]

Im guessing its on your required list.

254 was required. Not any more!

 

[47403]

254 was required. Not any more!

Im guessing it was a bit of a biggy as a CF machine. Hope you had a good day, 37250 is still a loud machine too. Hope they were both as loud n proud as they were Saturday. Seemed like the Wensleydale's had good numbers over this weekend. Maybe that's the way forward, get a decent visitor and bring a few more in.

 

[xotGD]

Im guessing it was a bit of a biggy as a CF machine. Hope you had a good day, 37250 is still a loud machine too. Hope they were both as loud n proud as they were Saturday. Seemed like the Wensleydale's had good numbers over this weekend. Maybe that's the way forward, get a decent visitor and bring a few more in.

Both 37s were on fine form today. Plenty of folk there, but not wedged. I inadvertently had a few yards of haulage from the 47 when they swapped locos just outside Leeming Bar to enable 254 to run round.

254 worked on the Cambrian a few times, but not when I was around to get it. Definitely a bigger visitor than 421 would have been.

 

[D1537]

254 worked on the Cambrian a few times, but not when I was around to get it. Definitely a bigger visitor than 421 would have been.

Ironically, I would have required 421 but not 254, which I had banking 40086 up the Lickey on a railtour!