FOLLOWING THE S&C

We've now got to leave Skipton behind, with the intention of following the Settle & Carlisle railway line, at least for now. We could venture out of town by a Silver Star bus, seen here crossing the railway to the west of the town.

Alternatively we could depart by train, an excursion headed by 60019. 

Both routes will take us past the loco shed, as seen in 1964. (Photo by the Late Les Flint).

Maybe the most leisurely way out of town is the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, seen here passing some remains of Skipton's industry.

As it runs close to Skipton railway station, there's a swing bridge.

A bit further out of town is Snaygill swing bridge, where this narrowboat is moored.

We soon come to the village of Gargrave. Here's the lock with plenty of traffic waiting to enter.

 Two views of a busy Gargrave Lock in 2005.

Gargrave station is a stop on the S&C route. Here it is in Midland Railway times.

Gargrave is a sizeable village, with plenty of facilities.

Pennine Motor Services had their depot in the centre of Gargrave and the company's vehicles were often found there.

The next station along the S&C was Bell Busk. Here it is in MR days.

Bell Busk station was closed in 1959, but was still intact when photographed by Ben Brooksbank in 1961.

Further west was the important junction station of Hellifield, where the line from Blackburn came in. Here are a few photos taken in MR times.

'Black 5' 44905 calls at Hellifield in 1965.

A filthy 2-6-4T was photographed outside Hellifield loco shed.

Moving forward to July 2005 and here's a view of Hellifield South Junction, still with proper signalling.

Much of Hellifield station's infrastructure is still intact.

Preserved 8F 2-8-0 No. 48151 is seen at Hellifield, July 2005.

Later on the same day, 48151 is seen agan, passing northbound through Long Preston.

Finally, a pub! The Maypole at Long Preston seems to be a good place to rest awhile. 

The next post will see us visiting more of the Pennines. Follow the route here.