Grumpytyke

The Settle to Carlisle railway line is one of the wonders of Britain. Magnificent views, beautifully kept stations maintained by volunteers, ending at the magnificent red stone structures of Carlisle.

Settle, a charming small town where the industry of West Yorkshire truly gives way to nature. The first of the stations maintained by the voluntary organisation, Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line

On Sunday 19 May my wife and I made the trip with free tickets given by Northern Rail, who operate the trains, as compensation for the terrible service to urban commuters – my wife being one – over the past year (though to be fair it was probably more the fault of Network Rail, who maintain the tracks). No matter, a free trip up one of the world’s great scenic routes was not be missed.

View from the train, to the West, after Settle

A good example of the stations on the line – Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

The hills were covered in low cloud on the morning we travelled up to Carlise, but the scenery was beautiful nevertheless

Another vista leading up to cloud covered hills

Another station. Recognise the livery?

Immediately outside Carlisle station the red stone marvels begin. Water provided for the thirsty traveller

Through the arch by the tower we are now at the beginning of the long ‘English Street’ which stretches into the city centre

If water wasn’t enough, the ubiquitous Costa will meet the need

Having negotiated the long high street, where English Street became Scotch Street at Costa, stragically-placed chairs for a rest before climbing the slope to the castle ramparts

The rear of the castle is quite a climb, no doubt good defence in times past

Just look at the colours on this stone water spout in the castle wall. In fact I missed a superb photograph here: a giant bumble bee came angrily out of here as I was focussing and gave me such a start I didn’t press the shutter button

From the stern aggression of the castle, it’s a short walk to the cathedral close where this delightful house greets you as you enter

Here are the magnificent remains of the former monastery; just look at the colours in the stone here too

Another delightful house in the cathedral grounds

One of the beautiful stained glass windows in the cathedral

Another of the beautiful windows, this one over the main altar

A superb carved triptych at the rear of a chapel altar

A journey you should add to your ‘bucket list’; I’ve traversed the route many times but usually by car or on foot. It’s also perfect for a cycle ride if you are energetic.

For photographers: all taken with an Olympus OM20 with either 50mm f/1.8 or 28mm f/2.8 Zuiko lens, on Fuji Superia 200 film. Most of the pictures here were taken just as mementos of the journey but I did manage to spend a little time on one or two more interesting photographically I think, so they will eventually be posted on my other blog – grumpytykepix – in fact one already has. I don’t take very many pictures from train windows but if you would like to see some more you’ll find more on my wife’s blog, piterelu, taken with her Lumix GF1 digital camera.