Present-Day Stainmore Railway
The Stainmore Railway operates a short heritage line at Kirkby Stephen East, using restored steam and diesel locomotives and vintage rolling stock. The station serves as a museum and visitor attraction, showcasing the history of the Stainmore Line and its role in the region’s industrial heritage. The railway hosts special events, including steam weekends, historical reenactments, and educational programs. Plans aim to extend the track and further develop the site, continuing to celebrate the legacy of this remarkable railway.
Preservation and Restoration
Efforts to preserve part of the railway began in 1997, with the formation of the Stainmore Railway Company. Volunteers focused on restoring Kirkby Stephen East Station, which had been disused since the closure of the line. Over time, the station and its facilities were restored to their former glory, including a working signal box, platform, and sidings.
History of the Stainmore Railway
The Stainmore Line was part of the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway (SD&LUR), which opened in 1861 to link the industries of northeast England with the northwest. The line crossed the rugged Stainmore Summit, one of the highest railway routes in England, at an elevation of 1,370 feet. It was renowned for its impressive engineering features, including the Belah Viaduct, a 367-foot-long and 196-foot-high iron structure that became an iconic part of the route. The railway was crucial for transporting coal, iron ore, and limestone between the industrial centres of County Durham and the northwest. It also served passenger services, connecting rural communities along the line. By the mid-20th century, the decline in industrial traffic and increased competition from road transport led to the line’s reduced importance. Passenger services ended in 1962, and the line was fully closed in 1965 following the Beeching cuts. The Belah Viaduct was dismantled in 1966, marking the end of an era for this remote and scenic railway.