Record passengers expected for rail line milestone
NorthernA record number of passengers are expected to travel along a historic railway line as it prepares to mark its 150th anniversary.
The Settle to Carlisle line is known as one of the most scenic railways in England, crossing the Pennine Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria's Eden Valley.
On 1 May, the railway will mark 150 years since the route's first passenger train and several events are planned to celebrate the milestone.
Northern said it had recorded 995,000 passenger journeys in 2025 - the highest number since the Covid-19 pandemic - with demand expected to rise.
Commercial and customer director Alex Hornby said he was confident passenger numbers would hit one million 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," he said.
The Settle to Carlisle section of the line was completed in 1875, with freight trains running for a year before passenger trains were introduced.
Events were held last year to mark the milestone.
Ann DallawayThe route features the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, which has 24 arches spanning a quarter of a mile (400m), 104ft (31.7m) above the ground.
The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company will be running a chartered steam train between Carlisle and York on 25 May.
Northern will also offer £1.50 tickets to customers travelling on the route to mark the milestone.
About 6,000 workers contributed to its complex construction, which includes 14 tunnels and more than 20 viaducts along its 72 miles (116km) of track.
In 1983, British Rail announced plans to close the line to passengers amid concerns about the cost of repairing the Ribblehead Viaduct. However, the plan was scrapped after a successful public campaign.
The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company's chairman, Pete Myers, said the company was working with communities along the line to mark the "special anniversary year".
He said: "The Settle to 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."
