Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

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Embsay railway station (then footbridgeless) appeared in Yorkshire Television sitcom In Loving Memory.

The route was formerly part of the Midland Railway line that connected Skipton and Ilkley via Addingham. The line was shut down by British Railways in 1965 and was left to fall in disrepair. Around 14 years after closure, a group of volunteers put forward a plan in 1979 to reopen the line as a preservation route. This plan went ahead and Embsay railway station was refurbished throughout the second half of the 1970s and reopened in 1981.

The line has been steadily rebuilt by the volunteers as far as Bolton Abbey in the eastwards direction. A65, from Ilkley and Otley (The East): Follow the A65 until you reach the junction with the A59. Turn left and follow the brown tourist signs for ‘Embsay Steam Railway’ to get to Embsay Station. Car parking spaces are reserved close to both station buildings for ease of access. There are wheelchair-accessible toilets at both Embsay and Bolton Abbey stations.

Draughton (proposed). In the old days of the Midland (later LMS) Railway, there were once plans to build a little halt called Draughton, at the siding, "marking where it was to be built but never had". The line runs through the countryside of the Yorkshire Dales in the county council area of North Yorkshire.

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The railway has helped and supported the surrounding area (and local economy) to regenerate and provide brand new attractions, boosting both trade and tourism. From the Bolton Abbey Station you can enjoy a walk to the priory , set in a spectacular setting. You can also access The Strid Wood , an area of ancient woodland with lots of wonderful wildlife; and The Strid a natural wonder, where the river suddenly narrows forcing the water through at great pressure.

A65, from the M6 (The West): Follow the A65 towards Skipton, and follow the brown signs for ‘Embsay Steam Railway’ to get to Embsay Station (this will involve turning left onto the A59). Embsay railway station was built in 1888. Bolton Abbey village is named after the nearby 12th century Bolton Priory, belonging to the Dukes of Devonshire. The embankment supporting Addingham railway station, goods yard and depot was removed and replaced in the 1980s with a housing development, with the bridge and abutments over the main road demolished at around the same time. A59, from York, the A1 and Harrogate (The East): Follow the A59 towards Skipton, following the signposts marked ‘Bolton Abbey Station’ for Bolton Abbey Station. For Embsay Station, continue past Bolton Abbey Station, and follow the road, alongside part of the railway, towards Skipton. Follow the signs for ‘Embsay Steam Railway’. Haw Bank Tunnel. The 220yd long railway tunnel, located en route between Skipton station and Embsay Junction. Embsay Junction. Located close to Embsay station and connects to the Rylstone line (section of the former Grassington Branch).There are plans to rebuild one of the bridge abutments at the end of the surviving embankment to the north as part of the Addingham Project which also involves constructing a replica LMS style station, goods yard and depot on the extra land next to and at the edge of the embankment. For Bolton Abbey Station, turn right onto the A59 and follow this road (which runs alongside part of the railway) until the station is signposted as ‘Bolton Abbey Station’. The Addingham extension could start off as an extension to a possible halt Wharfe Riverside located near the hamlet of Bolton Bridge [ clarification needed]), before Addingham could be considered officially. Embsay. Re-opened in 1981, restored to its former LMS condition. The current terminus of the line. Facilities include booking office, waiting room, toilets and souvenir shop.

Much of the route between Addingham and Ilkley has been re-developed since abandonment. Cuttings have been filled in and Ilkley viaduct was demolished in 1973, six years before the E&BASR re-opened. This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( March 2016) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) The platforms at Skipton (5 & 6) that served the Ilkley route were made redundant in 1965. If this link were reinstated these platforms would require a rebuild as they have been disused for a very long time. Experience two historic journeys in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales! Skipton Boat Trips and Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway have joined together to create Rail and Sail – a wonderfully nostalgic day out. AccessOur organisation was initially set up with the intention to preserve the adjacent railway line which runs to Swinden Quarry, near Grassington. This is the line that was built by the Yorkshire Dales Railway Company.