Present-Day Eden Valley Railway
The EVR currently operates over a 2.2-mile section of track, with plans to extend further towards Appleby East in the future. It offers diesel-hauled rides through the picturesque Eden Valley, attracting visitors for its peaceful rural setting and historical significance. The railway also hosts special events and is maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Preservation and Reopening
In the 1990s, the Eden Valley Railway Trust was formed to preserve and restore a section of the line between Appleby East and Warcop. Restoration efforts focused on Warcop Station, and a stretch of track was relaid to allow for heritage train operations. The first heritage services began running in the early 2000s, primarily using diesel locomotives and vintage rolling stock.
History of the Eden Valley Railway
The original Eden Valley Railway opened in 1862, connecting Penrith and Kirkby Stephen via Appleby. Built to serve local industries such as coal mining, limestone quarries, and agriculture, it was also a vital link for passengers in the rural Eden Valley. The line was initially operated by the Stockton and Darlington Railway, later becoming part of the North Eastern Railway and, subsequently, the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) after the 1923 grouping. Passenger services on the line were withdrawn in 1962, followed by the closure of freight services in the following decades. The track fell into disuse, and parts of the route were dismantled.