I paid a visit to Northern England's highest narrow gauge railway,The South Tynedale Railway at Alston in Cumbria on the 12th May for their Barber Appeal Fund raising Spring Gala. After the opening address Special Guests and visitors boarded the train travelling over the newly extended line for the official opening ceremony at Lindley Halt.
After the ceremonial opening resident and guest engines Utrillas from The West Lancashire Railway and Harrogate from The Statfold Barn Railway went into service running over the newly extended line to Lintley,
Passenger trains ran in single and double headed formation. All the engines worked hard on the steep incline from Lindley,
With Diesels also working goods trains, Hog roast, a Bar with some excellent beers (which I felt obliged to try ) The Stanhope Band, Engine shed tours and Railway walks there was more than enough to keep visitors happy.
This was my first visit to The South Tynedale Railway.
Will I be visiting again ?
You bet I will.
15 май 2012
