'Alston - South Tynedale Railway'

England's highest narrow gauge railway
Alston Station, Alston, CA9 3JB. Tel 01434 381696.
Email : mail@strps.org.uk

Location : Alston
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 717467

Preserved steam and diesel locomotives from Britain and overseas run between Alston Station (875 feet above sea level) and Kirkhaugh, following part of the old Haltwhistle to Alston branch line along the Tyne Valley in North East Cumbria. The line has recently been extended from Gilderdale (which is now closed) to Kirkhaugh - a distance of some two miles. Hopefully in the future the line will be extended to Slaggyford.

Along the route there are fine views across the South Tyne valley, in the heart of an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty.

The Haltwhistle to Alston branch line, opened by the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway Company in 1852, was closed by British Rail in 1976. The Preservation Society was formed in 1973, and although unable to save the original standard gauge line, succeeded in opening a narrow gauge line along part of the old trackbed in 1983.

Chaka’s Kraal No 6 at Alston Station

Built in the UK in 1940 for export to South Africa, this Hunslet steam loco of 0-4-2T type has a distinctive spark-arresting chimney and is rated at 90hp.

There is a railway shop and refreshment facilities at the station, as well as a picnic area. There is a talking timetable on 01434 382828.

From Kirkhaugh station - you may like to look at the remains of Whitley Castle old roman fort

Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.

Related Links :

• www.strps.org.uk - official website
• The Narrow Gauge Railway Society