Long Preston Railway Station: A Stop on the Scenic Bentham Line

Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Long Preston isn't your grand city station. But for those seeking a taste of rural England and a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, it holds a certain charm.

Located on the scenic Bentham Line, which winds its way between Leeds and Morecambe via Skipton, Long Preston offers a peaceful escape. The original station buildings are long gone, replaced by basic shelters on each platform. But don't be fooled by its simplicity; there's a certain romance in its lack of modern frills.

For train enthusiasts, Long Preston holds particular significance. It's the last station before the Bentham Line and the Settle-Carlisle Line diverge. The Settle-Carlisle is known for its breathtaking views and challenging engineering feats, making it a favourite among railway fans.

While the station itself is unstaffed, a handy ticket machine was installed in 2019, allowing for convenient ticket purchases. There's also a small car park for those arriving by car.

Long Preston's beauty lies in its surroundings. The village itself is a quintessential Yorkshire Dales gem, with old stone houses and traditional pubs. Stepping off the train, you're instantly transported into a world of peace and tranquility.

For those seeking adventure, the Yorkshire Dales National Park beckons. With its rolling hills, dramatic waterfalls, and charming villages, it's a walker's paradise. Buses depart regularly from the station for the nearby towns of Settle and Skipton, offering further options for exploration.

Long Preston station sees a modest number of trains each day, with services running to Leeds, Morecambe, and Carlisle. To ensure a smooth journey, it's wise to check timetables in advance, especially if you're connecting to other routes.

While the station may lack extensive facilities, its basic amenities and idyllic location make it a worthwhile stop.  If you're looking for a taste of rural England and a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Long Preston Station awaits.

The pictures below were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 19th August 2022.

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Old and New - Photo's and Postcards of Brotton, Skipton and Walsden

 Put together using images I have collected or taken these are 3 recent videos - slideshows I have uploaded to YouTube.

Old Photo's of  Brotton.

Brotton is a village in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland in the North of England. Their has been a settlement here since before the Domesday Book was completed in 1086 and name Brotton means Brook Farm. The village has a population of approx. 5400 which is a largely down on it's peak which was when the area was given over to the mining of ironstone, this decreased in the early part of the 20th century and the last mine closed in 1954. The pictures are postcards I have collected or public domain .

Old Skipton in Picture Postcards.

Skipton is a market town in North Yorkshire, it has a population of approx. 14600 and is passed through by the River Aire, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and the Airedale Railway Line. These pictures were again put together using postcards I have collected.

Walsden in Pictures.

Walsden is a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire. It has a population of approx. 5200 and is passed through by Walsden Water which flows in to the River Calder, the Rochdale Canal, the A6033 Rochdale Road and the town has a Railway Station on the Caldervale Line. Although now part of West Yorkshire, Walsden was historically part of Lancashire and administered by Rochdale Corporation. All the pictures were taken by me in August 2017.

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Church of the Holy Ascension. Settle Parish Church

Settle Parish Church, or by it's official name Church of the Holy Ascension sits near the centre of the small market town of Settle, North Yorkshire. The church was designed by Thomas Rickman and consecrated on the 26th October 1838 and parts of the interior were remodelled in 1998. Sadly I haven't been able to find much information on the church online and I don't live near enough to call in and ask around.

The pictures were taken on August 23rd 2016 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera.

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Settle: More Than Just a Stop on the Iconic Carlisle Line

Settle Railway Station. The very name conjures images of windswept Yorkshire Dales, the rhythmic chug of a diesel engine, and the promise of adventure along one of Britain's most celebrated railway lines – the Settle to Carlisle. But this unassuming station, nestled approximately a mile west of the charming market town of Settle, holds a history far more intriguing than its present-day modest appearance might suggest.

For those who simply see it as a convenient gateway to the Dales, it's worth knowing that Settle Station is actually the second to bear that name. The original "Settle" station, which opened its doors way back in 1849, is the very stop we now know as Giggleswick. Imagine the confusion for early travellers! It wasn't until May 1st, 1876, that our current Settle station came into being, initially grandly christened "Settle New Station." The original then became "Settle Old" before finally settling on the name Giggleswick in November 1877 – the same moment "New" was quietly dropped from Settle's title. A little bit of railway renaming trivia to impress your fellow passengers!

While the hustle and bustle of a major city station is absent here, Settle retains a certain charm. Staffed part-time, it offers a glimpse into a more traditional era of rail travel. And speaking of tradition, the connection between the platforms has its own fascinating tale. For years, passengers and porters alike relied on a simple barrow crossing at the northern end. But in 1993, progress arrived in an unexpected form. A bridge, made redundant by the electrification of the line at Drem Railway Station in East Lothian, was carefully dismantled and reassembled here in Settle. It's a testament to resourceful engineering, and as the author rightly notes, it blends in so seamlessly, you'd be forgiven for thinking it had stood there since the station's inception. Interestingly, the old barrow crossing still sees occasional use by station staff and wheelchair users, a tangible link to the station's past.

The historical significance of Settle Station hasn't gone unnoticed. In March 1984, it proudly gained Grade II listed status, recognizing its architectural and historical importance. Adding another layer to this historical tapestry is the beautifully restored signal box. Although it ceased operation in 1984, the dedicated efforts of the Friends of the Settle - Carlisle line have brought it back to its former glory, a silent sentinel overlooking the tracks.

These glimpses into Settle Station's past were captured on a sunny August day in 2016, through the lens of a Nikon D3300 SLR camera. These images likely tell their own story, freezing moments in time at a station that has witnessed generations of travellers embarking on their Dales adventures.

So, the next time you find yourself waiting on the platform at Settle, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet. It's more than just a stop; it's a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Settle to Carlisle Railway and a charming piece of Yorkshire's railway heritage.

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