South Tynedale Railway
The Haltwhistle to Alston branch line, was opened by the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway Company in 1852, and was closed by British Rail on 1st May 1976. The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society was formed in April 1973 and, although unable to save the original standard gauge line, it succeeded in constructing and opening a narrow gauge line along part of the old trackbed, and passenger trains have operated along it from 30th July 1983 bringing trains back to Alston, helped by grants from various sources and by the invaluable support of the Society membership.
On 26th August 1846 the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway Company was authorised to build a thirteen mile branch line southwards, along the valley of the River South Tyne, from Haltwhistle to Alston. In the early years the line served a thriving lead mining community and, although this industry declined towards the end of the century, the “Aalston Barra”, as the branch train was called, continued to serve the small communities of the South Tyne valley.
With nearly 5,000 people were carried during the first short season in 1983, the numbers increased each year, reaching 25,647 in 1991 before settling down between 19,000 and 23,000 a year over the following years.
The original buildings of Alston station effectively divide the industrial eastern side of the redevelopment from the railway and tourist amenities on the west. A coal merchant operated from the yard until recently, while the old goods shed and part of the area formerly occupied by sidings was taken over by a building contractor, when this business ceased trading in the mid 1990s, new industrial units were built next to the goods shed and the goods shed building was renovated. An advance factory was built on the remainder of the former sidings accommodation, but it failed to attract a permanent industrial tenant, and was leased to the Society on 1st November 1989. It is now used as a covered accommodation for railway locomotives and carriages as well as being a railway workshop.
A redundant signal box was bought from Ainderby, on the former North Eastern Railway branch to Redmire, and re-erected on a new brick base a few yards north of the level crossing which gives access to the car park and picnic area at Alston Station.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
By Car
From the Durham area follow the A690 to Crook and then the A689 through Weardale via Stanhope and Nenthead.
From North Yorkshire & The South and East follow the A66 west from Scotch Corner before taking the B6277 road through Barnard Castle and Teesdale.
From Penrith & The Lake District take the A686 road over the Hartside pass.
From Carlisle follow the A69 east for Newcastle before joining the A689 road at Brampton.
From Newcastle & The Northumbrian National Park leave the A69 road at Haydon Bridge and follow the A686 to Alston,
By Train
The nearest main line stations with bus links to Alston are at Hexham and Haltwhistle both of which are served by trains on Northern Rail’s Newcastle to Carlilse service. Please note that onward connections by bus are limited and anyone wishing to travel by train are strongly advised to ensure that suitable bus service are available.
By Bus
Alston is served by buses from Carlisle, Brampton, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Keswick and Nenthead. However, services are very limited and visitors are advised to check timetables before travelling.
Address:
The Railway Station,
Alston,
Cumbria,
CA9 3JB.