Passenger numbers on the scenic Settle to Carlisle Line are expected to top one million this year as the route celebrates its 150th anniversary, an anniversary which Michael Portillo has supported.
A programme of events is planned to mark the 150-year milestone, organised by the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company. Celebrations will include a chartered steam train running between Carlisle and York on 25 May.
Northern also plans to release thousands of £1.50 promotional tickets for travel on the route.
Operator Northern recorded 995,000 journeys on the line between Leeds and Carlisle in 2025, with August being the busiest month, with around 96,000 trips.
The 72-mile line is a major tourist attraction, offering views of the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Eden Valley, and also features the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
Completed in 1875 after a huge engineering project involving around 6,000 workers, the line opened to passengers on 1 May 1876. It was saved from closure in the 1980s after a major public campaign.
The line was also used as a recent diversionary route during upgrades.
“It’s easy to see why this line is so popular and we’re confident we will see more than 1 million journeys this year.
“Customers can enjoy miles of breathtaking scenery, which changes throughout the year, and there are plenty of opportunities to get off and explore.
“We’re delighted to see that it’s been rightly recognised as one of the most scenic trips in Europe and we’re looking forward to the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary.”
Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director.
“The Settle-Carlisle line is unique, connecting communities from Yorkshire through to Cumbria, and also providing a sustainable and beautiful way for visitors to explore the Yorkshire Dales, Westmorland Dales and Lake District.
“In our special anniversary year, we are working closely with communities along the line to provide a host of events for visitors and locals to enjoy, and all accessible via our award-winning line.”
Pete Myers, chair of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company.
Responses
There would be far more passengers using the line if Northern would extend all trains from Clitheroe to Hellifield (11 miles). They did a study a couple of years that was done in such a way that they knew the results before starting the study, as they wanted to run the odd train to Ribble Head and turn back at Blea Gill. This would have caused to much disruption to the current timetables they decided it was a failure. They also stated incorrectly that they couldn’t turn trains at Hellifield, but all that was needed was a limit of shunt sign, which would only cost £50, they already do the same movement at Clitheroe. If you study the timetables it is straightforward to extend all trains from Clitheroe to Hellifield and return back to Clitheroe without any conflicting train movements. The only thing required is one extra set and some route learning.