The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

For those few who visit for posts regarding technology, gaming or science, I formally apologise.

With the NYMR about to be celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Whitby-Pickering route and the return of some of the locomotives from my youth; I feel compelled to advertise the railway.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs heritage steam and diesel hauled trains between the market town of Pickering and the seaside town of Whitby, famous for its Abbey.

If starting your journey at Pickering, you will immediately notice the overall station roof, which has recently been re-instated after being removed by British Railways in the 1950's. Pickering also has the Carriage and Wagon works, where coaches and wagons are restored and repainted.

The next station is Levisham, noted for being almost two miles away from the village it takes it's name from. Levisham station house is home to the railways artist-in-residence, Chris Ware, and he can often be found in his workshop, where you can buy paintings, prints, or just have a chat.

Newton-Dale Halt is a request stop, you must inform the Guard or Ticket Inspector if you wish to get off here; although there are no amenities here, save a shelter, Newton-Dale is in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and has a signposted path back to Levisham station for those who enjoy a stroll.

Next up is Goathland, made famous as 'Aidensfield' in ITVs Heartbeat and as 'Hogsmeade' station in the first Harry Potter film. Goathland has an unusual setting for a tea room, as it is in the old goods shed, complete with wagons and crane. Goathland is also one end of The Rail Trail; a path that follows the route of the original Whitby and Pickering Railway between Goathland and Grosmont.
It is advised to walk from here and catch the train back from Grosmont; better you coast down the hills and the train puff up than the other way 'round!

Grosmont is the operational heart of the railway; from the station it is a short walk through the original 1830's tunnel to the engine sheds and workshops, where you can see locomotives being restored and repaired. Grosmont is also the mainline connection for the NYMR, as it links onto the Whitby-Middlesbrough line. This station is the northern terminus for some trains, but on most days, three trains per day run through to Whitby.

Whitby is the northern terminus for certain trains, however, it only has one running line; so the NYMR must run trains in co-operation with the mainline services they share the route with. Due to the single platform, the train must also reverse to a loop just outside the station for the locomotive to run around, passengers must leave the train while this occurs, even if they intend to return south on the same train.

Well that's it for a boring blog post about railways; perhaps the next one will be about modern technology?