THE ESK VALLEY LINE
The ESK VALLEY LINE is widely considered to be one of the hidden gems of the British railway network and it offers a succession of constant surprises and stunning views along its 36 mile run to the traditional fishing port of Whitby.
Description of the line
Departing from the industrial heart of Middlesbrough, the line quickly leaves urban life behind as it heads out to the isolated station of Battersby on the edge of the moors. The train reverses here and heads into the Esk Valley and the North York Moors National Park, passing well-kept stations and small communities on the way to Grosmont, where it connects with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). From here the line dates back to the 1830s, having been engineered by George Stephenson. Hugging the banks of the River Esk down through Sleights and Ruswarp, travellers are treated to a stunning view of Whitby as the train rounds a final bend before stopping in Whitby's historic station, right in the centre of the town.
Things to see and do along the way
The Esk Valley Line is ideal for pleasant walks or longer hikes. Great Ayton and Kildale are well placed for a walk up to the stunning views of Roseberry Topping and the Esk Valley Walk parallels the railway all the way from Castleton to Whitby. During the summer months, the National Park's Moorsbus network links with the railway at Castleton and Danby. If you prefer a leisurely day, most villages have wonderful rural pubs where you can sit back and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. Egton is famous for its Gooseberry Fair and Grosmont is the terminus of the steam operated NYMR. Whitby is well known for its Abbey and unspoilt harbourside town and also boasts one of the best fish and chip shops in the country!
For an illustrated guide to the Esk Valley Railway, follow this link
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Further information
For Esk Valley Line train times telephone 08457 484950.
Connections with the NYMR steam trains can be made at Grosmont. Through tickets are available from Esk Valley Line stations to Pickering. Telephone 01751 472508 for details of NYMR services.
The Moorslink rover ticket offers one days travel on the Moorsbus network. Telephone 01845 597426 for Moorsbus information.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Middlesbrough, 51 Corporation Road 01642 243425 / 264330
Great Ayton, High Green Car Park 01642 722835
Danby, The Moors Centre 01439 772737
Whitby, Langborne Road 01723 383636
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY
THE ESK VALLEY RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
THE ESK VALLEY RAILWAY IS OPERATED BY
NORTHERN RAIL
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ESK VALLEY RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY The Bus & Rail Centre, Whitby Station, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1YN email: info@eskvalleyrailway.co.uk
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| NORTHERN RAIL Customer help line: 0845 00 00 125
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