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The line from Ilkley to Embsay Junction closed, with many others, in the mid 60s. By the early 70s, however, the Yorkshire Dales Railway had been set up, with the objective of opening part of the route. I had visited this line a number of times during the 70s and early 80s, but had never been on a train there. Now the line is open from Embsay through to the newly-constructed station at Bolton Abbey - and bears the name "Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway". I decided it was time for a ride.

Trains leave Embsay station every 1½ hours from 10.30am to 4.30pm on operating days during the summer months. The 10.30 was "up the line" when we arrived, so, with tickets purchased, we had plenty of time to photograph that train's arrival and preparation for the 12.00 noon departure, on which we enjoyed a very pleasant run.

In steam on this occasion was Bagnall 0-6-0ST "Cranford No 2" (WB 2668 of 1942) - a fairly hefty outside cylindered machine, resplendent in a somewhat work-stained green livery. All the steam locomotives on this railway are ex-industrial, though there are a couple of ex-BR diesels - the former D9513 and D2203. The latter was in action on a shunt - one of those moves which looks like the preserved railway equivalent of a chinese puzzle.

The new station at Bolton Abbey is a delight - a substantial wood-clad building (around a block-built shell, apparently) in Midland Railway style. It is accompanied by the ex-Midland box from Guiseley. In past years I had watched the gradual decay of the original buildings when passing on the nearby road. The old structure was beyond repair, hence the new build.

Arriving back at Embsay, we had time to peruse the excellent book shop, before retiring to the nearby Cavendish Arms for lunch - which, like our trip on the railway, was excellent and is highly recommended.

Links:

• Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

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