Go to South Tynedale Preservation Society Web-
As it leaves Alston Station the line crosses the road leading to the station car park -
The line passes the carriage workshop (which in December is transformed into Santa’s Grotto for our ever popular Santa Specials) before running along side the sidings giving access to our loco shed and the new carriage shed.
Initially the South Tyne Trail runs to the west of our line, but as the line passes the northern end of the shed complex the trail crosses it to parallel the line on to its east for the rest of the journey.
Opened for the 2012 season the new station at Lintley will eventually be relegated to the status of a halt once the line to Slaggyford is completed Your train will wait at the station for a few minutes while the locomotive runs round and both it and the crew prepare for the return journey. Take the opportunity of purchasing a drink from the buffet car, have a look at how our extension is progressing, or view the remains of the weighbridge and loading facilities which remain from when this was the site of a mineral siding for a small mine.
For the more actively minded, alight here to return to Alston via the Pennine Way or South Tyne Trail.
Slaggyford
Lintley
Kirkhaugh
Gilderdale
Alston
The original wooden station building at Slaggyford stands slumbering waiting for its first train since 1976. Facilities to be provided at the station have yet to be finalised, but it will provide a good alternative starting point for those travelling from the Carlisle area with good, level access and substantial shelter against the elements.
Work has already commenced to clear the trackbed of foliage south of Slaggyford, and track has been laid onto Lintley Viaduct to provide a headshunt where stock can be stored when necessary during the next phase of the extension.
The line runs onto the Tyne Viaduct with picturesque views of the river and rock
formations below you as your journey continues north-
For those wishing to walk in one direction there is a picnic site situated on the South Tyne Trail near to the former Gilderdale Station.
The line continues through beautiful open countryside with views of the site of the Roman fort “Whitley Castle” to the west, and the picturesque hamlet of Kirkhaugh with its church nestling close to the river below your train on the eastern side of the line.
About 2¼ miles, and about 15 minutes after your departure from Alston you arrive at Kirkhaugh, complete with its family of carved deer (were you eyes keen enough to see the other carved animals to be found on the South Tyne Valley Trail?). Kirkhaugh was the railway’s terminus for a number of years until following the extension from Gilderdale and prior to the extension to Lintley in 2012.
There is no road access to Kirkhaugh, but it is well worth breaking your journey
here and taking one of the way-
Slaggyford Extension Appeal
The Route of the South Tynedale Railway
