Plans to restore train services to Redmire after repairs

Work began in mid-September on a 0.75-mile section of track at Wensley, close to the site of the former Wensley Station.

The earthworks carrying the railway along the foot of the cliffs below Leyburn Shawl had eroded, and material had fallen into the adjacent fields.

Some sleeper ends were left exposed and unsupported.

Work began in mid-September on a 0.75-mile section of track at Wensley, close to the site of the former Wensley Station (Image: WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY) It's hoped that it will build towards plans to bring a passenger service to Redmire for the first time in four years.

The railway hired a specialist railway contractor, Lampitt Rail Services, to undertake the repair work, with support from its operations staff and infrastructure volunteers.

The work included rebuilding and widening sections of the eroded embankment.

The railway currently runs services from Leeming Bar to Leyburn.

The 5.5-mile section of railway between the Georgian market town of Leyburn to Redmire village has been closed to the public since 2020.

It's hoped that it will build towards plans to bring a passenger service to Redmire for the first time in four years (Image: WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY) This has been due to the deteriorating condition of the track and infrastructure on this section of the railway.

Some of the track is life-expired and date back to before the First World War. 

Wensleydale Railway has set itself the goal of re-opening the line between Leyburn and Redmire stations by September 2025.

This is to coincide with the 200th anniversary celebrations of the World’s first passenger service on the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825.

In support of this goal and focused on the Wensley track repair work, The Wensleydale Railway Association (Trust) launched a fundraising appeal in July 2024 that has raised approximately £37,000 to date.

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Russell Lord, director of infrastructure at Wensleydale Railway PLC said: “Completing this project is a major step forward in our plans to restore passenger services to Redmire.

"Our goal to return to Redmire in 2025 is an ambitious one and we face a few challenges ahead. However, we are determined to succeed and will shortly be focusing our attention on the section of track west of Wensley Station towards Redmire Station.”

Nick Keegan, fundraising and marketing manager at Wensleydale Railway added: “The response to our latest fundraising appeal has been excellent and demonstrates not only the incredible generosity of people but also their genuine desire to see this beautiful scenic section of our railway once again carrying passengers.”