South Tynedale Railway
The South Tynedale Railway is a 2 ft narrow-gauge heritage railway in the North Pennines, running 5 miles between Alston in Cumbria and Slaggyford in Northumberland. It runs along the trackbed of the former North Eastern Railway standard-gauge branch from Haltwhistle to Alston, and is sometimes described as England's highest narrow-gauge railway, with Alston station standing at 875 ft above sea level.
The line crosses the impressive Lambley Viaduct in spirit, though preservation has not yet reached it, and follows the South Tyne river through wild Pennine scenery. Operations are largely volunteer-run, and the railway has retained a quiet, unhurried character that matches the remote landscape it traverses.
History
The standard-gauge line closed in 1976, the last surviving rural branch in the North East. The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1973 with the original aim of saving the standard-gauge railway, but after closure the trackbed was relaid as a 2 ft narrow-gauge tourist line, opening to Gilderdale in 1983. Subsequent extensions reached Kirkhaugh (1999), Lintley (2012) and Slaggyford (2018), bringing the total length to 5 miles.
Original line history
The Haltwhistle to Alston branch was built by the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway and opened throughout in 1852, later passing to the North Eastern Railway. Engineered by Sir George Barclay-Bruce, the line included the magnificent Lambley Viaduct across the South Tyne, a 110 ft high, nine-arch sandstone structure (preserved today as a footpath). The line served the lead-mining communities of Alston Moor and remained in service longer than most rural branches because of the difficulty of road access in winter.
Stations and infrastructure
Alston is the headquarters, with the original NER station building and goods shed. Slaggyford, opened in 2018, is also an original NER station and has been beautifully restored.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Events include steam galas, "lead mining heritage" weekends, photo charters and Santa Specials. The line is a popular stop for visitors touring Hadrian's Wall and the North Pennines AONB.
Visitor information
Alston is reached via the A686 from Penrith or the A689 from Brampton. The station is at the south end of the town. Walking and cycling on the South Tyne Trail follows the line.