The Yorkshire Dales Railway

The Yorkshire Dales Railway opened on Tuesday July 29th, 1902. The first sod was cut 2 years previously on June 7th, 1900. The railway closed to passenger traffic in 1930 and goods traffic discontinued in 1969. The last train to Grassington was on August 20th, 1969.

The rail link from Skipton to Swinden Quarry is all that remains of the railway.

Sound recording of the last train which ran from Skipton to Grassington including an interview with one of the passengers.

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Download the mp3 (8.87mb, 12min 55secs)

Below are some images of the history of the Yorkshire Dales Railway. Click on an image to see a larger picture.

Sod cutting - order of procession
Sod cutting - order of procession

Sod cutting - 7th June 1900
Sod cutting - 7th June 1900

Share Certificate
Share Certificate

Railway pass
Railway pass

The opening of the railway
The opening of the railway

The opening of the railway
The opening of the railway

Upper Wharfedale Recruits leaving Grassington Station, September 21 1914 for the First World War
Upper Wharfedale Recruits leaving
Grassington Station, September 21 1914
for the First World War

Last train ticket, August 20th 1969
Last tain ticket to Grassington
August 20th 1969

Last train, August 20th 1969
Last tain, August 20th 1969