“Away from the packed commuter routes and main intercities, the backwaters of our national rail network harbour some of the most beautiful rides in the world.

“Leaving Teesside, the train chugs out across the North York Moors … along the leafy valley through Danby, Egton and Lealholm – surely the prettiest village in Yorkshire – to Whitby's bracing sea air, fine Georgiana and looming Gothic church. This is England's green and pleasant land, writ large over 36miles ... it will make you sigh”
The Sunday Times

The Esk Valley Railway connects the rural communities in the North Yorkshire Moors with the city of Middlesbrough and the historic seaside town of Whitby. The railway also offers an enjoyable, environmentally-friendly and stress-free way to view and explore this magnificent landscape and lovely villages.

Buses will replace trains for nine days
Saturday 2 June to Sunday 10 June 2012

Network Rail is completing essential improvements to four bridges on the Esk Valley Railway that links Middlesbrough to Whitby. The £2 million package of work will make sure the bridges are fit for purpose for many years, ensuring a safe and reliable train service.

Trains will be replaced by bus services for nine days. Non-stop services will run between Middlesbrough and Whitby and other buses and minibuses will call at stations in the Esk Valley.

The work has been planned to minimise disruption. Many school children rely on the train to get to school so this work has been planned during the holidays; it has to be carried out in summer to reduce the risk of high river levels or strong winds causing further disruption.

The main bridge elements will be transported to site by rail and Network Rail will use large cranes to remove the existing bridge decks and install the new steelwork. The bridges will incorporate the same design and will be constructed in pairs with the first two installed at Danby and another two near Glaisdale; this will maximise the use of resources and minimise disruption.

Details of the revised timetable for the nine days will be available nearer the time. Information will be displayed at stations and on the Northern Rail website.

Trains that normally start and terminate at Nunthorpe (to and from Newcastle and Hexham) are not directly affected by the work, however please check before you travel as there may be some changes to train times.

On this website you will find inspiration for days out and practical information to help you plan your journey. Here you can:

• print-off timetables for individual stations, choose a station from the list of links at the foot of any page.
• read about things to see, what to do and where to eat at places along the line
• download walking and cycling routes
• find out about fares and discounts
• view a calendar of events
• discover the environmental benefits of travelling by train

This website is commissioned and maintained by the Esk Valley Railway Development Company, a not-for-profit Community Rail Partnership. The train service is operated by Northern Rail and the line is owned by Network Rail.

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