Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line

The Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line was originally formed as a campaigning group at a time when the line was under threat of closure and largely credited with its reprieve in 1989, Since then we have existed as a support organisation in partnership with the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company and the Settle Carlisle Railway Trust, the latter leasing 3 station along the line. We have a large number of volunteering opportunities covering aspects such as gardening, station maintenance, on train guides, guided walks, in addition to which, we operate two shops (Settle and Appleby) and two restored signal boxes at Settle and Armathwaite. In 2020 we also acquired the iconic Dent Railway Station (the highest mainline station in England) which we have restored and operate as holiday accommodation. We also act as a critical friend to Northern, the train operator, closely monitoring the day to day services together with seeking improvements to the timetable and rolling stock. We promote better use of the railway and onward transport into the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Eden areas.