The Wensleydale Railway runs for 22 miles from Northallerton on the East Coast Main Line to Redmire in the heart of Wensleydale.

On its way from the flat Vale of York to the upland splendour of the famous Yorkshire Dales, the line passes through market towns and small villages, through woodlands and farmland.

At present, passenger services operate over the 17-mile section of the line from Leeming Bar (close to the A1 trunk road) to Redmire. All trains call at the intermediate stations of Bedale, Finghall and Leyburn.

Whether you are using the train to travel to your local market town, to visit friends or family or as part of a great day out in the Dales, the Wensleydale Railway is sure to have something to offer.

Our regular passenger services are operated by our fleet of 2 or 3-coach diesel rail cars. These units have great views from all seats with an extra special view of the line ahead (or behind!) from the seats in the end sections.  There is an on-board buffet on certain services (ask at the stations for details) and all trains have toilet facilities.

The trains have plenty of space for bicycles which are carried free on all services and we can accommodate wheelchair users on all services and at all stations. However, the age of some of our rolling stock does limit the standard of accommodation we are able to offer to our disabled passengers at present.  We are working hard to improve this.

Northallerton to Leeming Bar - 5.25 miles

Leeming Bar station is the best place to join our system if coming by car, as it is close to the A1 trunk road and has plenty of parking spaces.

At present, this section of the route is covered by the use of the low-floor bus link (service 73) operated by our partner, Dales and District.  The bus calls at all of the stops along the route and from Northallerton runs through the village of Romanby before passing into open country, through a number of small villages and over the River Swale on the historic Morton Bridge (look out for the adjacent railway bridge just upstream) on its way to Leeming Bar.

Leeming Bar to Bedale - 1.75 miles

Bedale is an historic market town with a great range of shops and an historic parish church. In addition to the fine Yorkshire High Street, Bedale Hall with its parkland is a great place to visit.

This short section of route takes the line past our stage sidings and under the A1 trunk road.  After passing over Aiskew Level Crossing look out for views over the rich arable land of the Vale of York.  Soon the short section comes to an end with the start of the tight curve into Bedale Station.

Bedale to Finghall - 5.75 miles

Finghall station serves the nearby small village and is a well-preserved example of a minor rural station. The buildings were used in the filming of the All Creatures Great & Small TV series.

Over this section of the line the scenery starts to change from the flat crop-filled fields to the more rolling pasture land on the margins of the Dales. At times the train may pause at the old station at Crakehall for the level crossing gates to be manually operated.

For the most part, this section of the line follows a very different course to the main road through the dale but this is not the case at Newton-le-Willows where the line passes right through the centre of the village on a high embankment.

Many species of wildlife can be seen from time to time on this part of the route. You may see rabbits, hares, pheasants and, if you are really lucky, one of the many deer living in and around the woods.

Finghall to Leyburn - 4.25 miles

Leyburn is the main market town for the lower dale and it has a great range of shops and cafes. There are a number of family attractions located in the town and a great walk with views of the dale from the Shawl - follow the signs from the Market Place.

After leaving the station at Finghall the line continues its climb towards Leyburn, mainly passing through woodland but there are still opportunities for a mix of views which just can't be seen from the road.  If more than one train is operating on the line, the trains may pass at the loop at Constable Burton Wood. There used to be a large station at this point but little now remains of this.

On the approach to Leyburn the first views of lower Wensleydale can be seen. To the south of the line you can see Middleham and the historic castle. Soon after passing under the road bridge the line passes into a cutting.  Many years ago this area was a hive of industry, with a siding leading to one of the dale's many quarries.  On emerging from the cutting the line runs to the rear of the famous Tennants' auction rooms.

Leyburn to Redmire - 4.5 miles

Redmire station is located on the north slope of the dale and has one of the best viewpoints in the area.  The station is a short walk from Castle Bolton and the typical Yorkshire Dales village with its local public house.

Without doubt, this part of the line has the most magnificent scenery along the route. After leaving the station the train trundles through a short tunnel and a cutting, giving little impression of the views on offer just ahead.  On emerging from the cutting the line follows the side of the dale to the terminus at Redmire.  The best views are from the left-hand side of the train going to Redmire and the right-hand side coming back to Leyburn.

Look out for the old chimney in the woods just near the level crossing at Wensley where the train may pause. This is one of the old lead mines for which the area is well known.  The old station at Wensley is worth a look as it has a very unusual feature - a private waiting room for Lord Bolton, the major landowner of the area.