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Northallerton-Hawes Passenger Withdrawal

The Hawes branch opened in 1878, only three years after the Settle-Carlisle line itself was completed. The branch from Garsdale, or Hawes Junction as it was known until 1932, met the N.E.R branch from Northallerton at Hawes "Joint" station between Garsdale and Hawes.

O.S.Grid Reference SD 812913

From Hawes Junction the line passed through Mossdale Tunnel (245 yards) and then Mossdale Viaduct (233' long, 40' high with 4 arches). After a two miles or so it then crosses cross a fine 5 arch viaduct (325 feet long, 56 feet high) at Appersett before reaching the spacious station at Hawes.

233 ft long, 40 ft high, 4 arches

The trackbed of the branch runs parallel with the A684 for much of the way between Hawes and the Moorcock Inn. A series of cuttings and reinforced embankments were needed at this point in order to maintain the planned route. During construction, landslips in this area created repeated delays in completion of the route.

325 feet long, 56 feet high

This picture of Hawes, taken in the 1950's, shown the 4.25 p.m. afternoon Hawes to Hellifield stopping train (known as the "Boniface") about to leave for the southward journey.

The station remains intact today and has fortunately escaped the inevitable process of decay and dereliction by becoming the National Park Information centre.

A Tank engine and 3 coaches have been placed on a short length of track on the old formation. The coaches house an interpretive exhibition and although the engine isn't ready for steaming the static display offers a tantalising glimpse of what might one day be a through route back to Garsdale. The Wensleydale Railway Association are currently hard at work trying to turn this possibility a reality.

November 2000 

The goods shed in classic Midland railway style is now fully restored and houses part of the display of the Dales Museum.

The original weighbridge is still in its original position although the station yard has now become a visitor car park.

This view shows the setting through which the line ran. The abandoned trackbed of the line from Aysgarth can be seen running horizontally behind the stone barn.

Another historic view showing activity during preparations for departure of the afternoon train to Hellifield. The view Eastwards is now much obscured by tree growth.

The waterfall at Hardraw is the highest in England and can be viewed by paying a small fee at the Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw village

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