PROJECT UPDATE (10 September 2026)

We have started further major infrastructure upgrade work on the Leyburn to Wensley section of our line. Specialist rail contractor Lampitt Rail Services is relaying a 660-foot section of track (11 track panels) to the west of Leyburn Station, (immediately west of Bridge 27) using some materials recovered from the former Eggborough power station site.

This is phase 1 of our plans to restore passenger services over the approx. 5-mile section of our railway between Leyburn and Redmire. This phase is expected to take approx. 3-4 months to complete and will see the Leyburn to Wensley section of track brought up to required operational standards.

A considerable amount of sleeper replacement, re-ferruling of chairs and re-ballasting will also be done on this approx. 2.5-mile section of line. Some further drainage improvement work will also be completed, and a user-worked farm level crossing will have its wooden crossing deck replaced with rubber decking panels and the section of track running through it will be relayed with concrete sleepers.

Planning is also underway to complete phase 2 of the project - the approx. 2.5-mile Wensley to Redmire section. More news to follow.

Your continuing support and generosity remain crucial to enable us to restore passenger services between Leyburn and Redmire. Our ability to reopen this stunning scenic section of our railway is dependent on 2 critical factors - money and volunteers. The more we have of each, the quicker we can return to Redmire.

DONATIONS: Please donate today and support our plans.

✅ Donations can be made online, by BACS, cheque or cash at our stations.

✅ Online Donations: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/returntoredmire

Contact Nick at fundraising@wensleydalerailway.com or visit our website for more details and other donation methods https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/return-to-redmire/

VOLUNTEERING: Many hands make light work. Can you help?

✅ You don’t need experience to join the team as training will be given.

✅ We’re looking for people with a good level of physical fitness and a willingness to get stuck-in.

✅ It’s rewarding work and you will be made very welcome.

Get in touch today. Email: volunteercoordinator@wensleydalerailway.com / Phone: 01677425805

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For a more complete picture of our Return to Redmire plans, why it’s important, what work we’ve done, the challenges we face, what is being done now and what remains to be done, please visit our website here:

https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/return-to-redmire/

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Will you help us restore passenger services to Redmire?

It has been over 3 years since we last ran passenger trains to Redmire. This part of the railway has arguably some of the finest scenery & views in the Yorkshire Dales. We would love to reopen the Leyburn to Redmire section of the line but are faced with some major problems. We need your help.

What's the problem?

The condition of track & infrastructure between Leyburn and Redmire is very poor and rapidly deteriorating. We cannot safely run passenger trains over this section of line in its current state. The railway is predominantly constructed on ash ballast, wooden sleepers and 90lb North Eastern Rail which is heavily worn out and life-expired. Some of this track dates back to before the First World War. There is considerable vegetation to be removed, re-ballasting done and drainage renewed. In addition, there is major infrastructure work to address such as 2nd platform construction & footbridge replacement at Leyburn and signalling.

Replacing track is incredibly expensive with costs varying according to a number of factors including whether new or second-hand materials are used. We estimate the total cost of all required track & infrastructure upgrade work being well in excess of £1 million.

How can you help?

With your support, the purpose of this appeal is primarily to raise essential "pump-priming" funds that will provide crucial support for future, larger grant funding applications, although some will be used on essential track repairs. The funds will act as a match-funding resource that can be used as vital leverage when applying for the larger, often governmental, funding opportunities necessary to reopen this section of line.

Its a standard requirement of many grant-funding bodies that applicants must provide match funding when requesting funding. This demonstrates that the applicant is fully committed to their project, has "skin in the game" and is not relying 100% on the grantor. This match funding is often at least 10% of the total amount of funding being sought.

Can we count on your support?

The railway continues to make significant progress. We secured a £386,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore Leeming Bar Station House and develop the 1920s heritage programme. This project's successful completion along with other Heritage Fund supported projects - Scruton Station and Leeming Bar Signal Box - demonstrate that we are able to complete complex capital & revenue projects. This positions us well to make further large-scale grant applications. This appeal is the next step in the railway's development and the beginning of major plans to upgrade the railway infrastructure and return to Redmire.

We can't achieve this goal without you. Can we count on your support?

photo: Penhill, Wensleydale viewed from Redmire Station