Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line

18/06/2026

We need Volunteers!

As I am sure all of you are aware the work of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line is done almost entirely by volunteers. Currently around 180 people give their time into different roles along the line and we could not do what we do without them. But we do need some more help.

Our cafes at Ribblehead and Horton and our shops in Settle and Appleby are struggling to operate all of the hours they would like to due to lack of volunteers available.

These enterprises raise the money we need to deliver all of our other activities such as the guided walks and Footsteps in Time events so we really do need to be able to keep them open and raising funds.

Volunteering with us is fun! The time commitment is flexible and can be fitted around work, family, going to the gym and whatever other important things happen in life. The volunteers and our staff where the roles work together are a fabulous team - friendly and supportive.

We are holding two open days in July if you would like to find out more you can simply drop in to either Ribblehead or Settle Shop - but you don't have to wait until then, you can contact us anytime to ask questions or arrange to pop along and see what it is all about. Please just email [email protected] or drop us a message and we will be in touch.

Thank you

18/06/2026

Well we are truly spoiling you this weekend with not one but TWO guided walks heading out - Saturday and Sunday!

Friends Free Guided Walk Saturday 20th June 2026

Kirkby Stephen Circular via Smardale

Admire the magnificent Smardale Gill Viaduct and walk along the disused railway track through Smardale Nature Reserve home to red squirrels and rare butterflies.

Date: Saturday 20th June
Start: 09:34
From: Kirkby Stephen
Distance: 10.5mi/17km
Grade: Hiker
Website: https://www.foscl.org.uk/guided-walks

Friends Free Guided Walk Sunday 21st June 2026

Around Kisdon Hill

Walk in Upper Swaledale to one of the most remote villages in the Dales.

Date: Sunday 21st June
Start: 10:33
From: Ribblehead
Distance: 7mi/11km
Grade: Explorer!
IMPORTANT: Alight Ribblehead for 830 Northern DalesBus to Muker (fare payable)
Website: https://www.foscl.org.uk/guided-walks

17/06/2026

Last chance to book for our Father's Day Afternoon Teas this weekend - there are a few places remaining both days if you would like to treat Dad (or yourself or anybody else for that matter!) to a lovely day out for a great cause

The homemade delights will include sandwiches, savouries and lots of delicious sweet goodies all made by our in house team and these can be accompanied by either tea/coffee or upgrade to prosecco/three peaks beer for an additional treat!

On Saturday you will have chance to see a steam train come through as well so if you've always wanted to see one up close and personal now is the time!

All the monies raised in our cafes and from events such as these support the work of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line.

Please buy your voucher here:

For Saturday: https://shop.foscl.org.uk/fathers-day-tea-1.html

For Sunday: https://shop.foscl.org.uk/fathers-day-tea.html

Special afternoon tea at Ribblehead Visitor Centre

17/06/2026

We were honoured to be invited to join the Campaign for Better Transport trip on the Settle-Carlisle railway yesterday.

Our chairman Allison Cosgrove was at the event in Leeds and she was then joined on the train by On Train Guide Ken Larkins and Commercial Manager Anna Jackson who continued to Carlisle and attended the event in Carlisle Station.

Also on the train were some of the people involved in the original campaign to save the line including a family who knew Ruswarp the dog - probably our most recognised campaigner.

It's important that we both remember our past and why we are still here today as well as using events like these to look to the future and this was a great opportunity to share the work of the Friends with the Campaign and also with the Communiry Rail Partnership representatives and those from other train operators and other lines. Whenever we get to talk about the breadth of activities and events our wonderful volunteers deliver people are always astounded and it's a true honour to represent this organsiation

16/06/2026

Can you help us with this year's Friends Christmas Card image?

We are looking for a striking Christmassy picture that would make a great Christmas card and in return we will credit the photographer in a message on the back of the cards and also provide some of the finished cards to the photographer for them to boast to friends and family with!!

Please share your images either below, via messenger or via email to [email protected] before the 30th June and we will contact the winner directly.

All the proceeds from the cards go to helping FOSCL deliver their annual programme of activities and events - from guided walks to station adoption, Footsteps in Time to signal boxes.

Thank you for your support

Yorkshire Dales National Park Visit Settle Visit North Yorkshire Ribblehead Station Tearoom and Visitor Centre

16/06/2026

Do you work in tourism? Accommodation? Visitor Attractions? Visitor Retail?

Ribblehead Station is hosting a Tourism Together Event to invite all interested local parties to come along and see the newly refurbished tearoom and Visitor Centre and talk to us about how we can work together to become a great 'Gateway' into the local area.

Ribblehead is both a destination in its own right as well as an access point for people visiting the Dales - by train, on foot, by bicycle and with bus links at the station.

Do your guests know what is on offer here? Free history events, free guided walks, a free Visitor Centre and the starting point for travel on the iconic Settle-Carlisle Railway with knowledgeable local guides ...

In return we want to tell our visitors about your business and how to get to you...

Come along to one of the two networking sessions (10.30am or 2.30pm) and bring your marketing materials for us to display. Also to experience some of what we can offer to your guests we are inviting you to join a guided walk and talk down to the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct with one of our experienced local volunteer guides - who can offer accompanied day trips on the trains or group visits to sites along our line.

The event is free but we need to know you are coming as numbers are limited so please email [email protected] to book a place and let me know if you would like the morning or afternoon session and if you are joining the walk

Visit Settle Visit North Yorkshire Visiting North Yorkshire Yorkshire Dales National Park BBC Leeds

15/06/2026

Not a very promising forecast for Saturday's walk to Gaping Gill but it stayed dry and there was even some sunshine. Walkers enjoyed fantastic views of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and the spectacular limestone scenery of the area and finished at the Horton Station Cafe Bar for refreshments.

This weekend is a double header of walks - stay tuned for more details

15/06/2026

Exciting news - Dent Station is now available to book online alongside all of the other Settle-Carlisle Railway Properties

Dent is a magnificent example of a beautifully restored heritage station building which has all of the modern comforts and conveniences you could want when on holiday but with some fabulous and fascinating historical artefacts and items also in situ.

The perfect base for walkers, train enthusiasts or anyone seeking perfect peace and quiet it can sleep up to 4 guests. We have some availability left in August this year which is very rare for this amazing property. After that we are fully booked until November so grab your chance while you can.

To check availability and book visit https://settlecarlisletrust.org.uk/stay-at-a-station/stay-at-a-station-dent-station/

14/06/2026

This time next week we will be celebrating Fathers everywhere ...

Have you got something special planned?

We have - we are serving Afternoon Tea in our beautifully refurbished Ribblehead Visitor Centre and Tearoom.

All homemade Yorkshire treats alongside a choice of Three Peaks Ales or Prosecco

Saturday will also see a visit from a steam train to make that Father's Day treat even more memorable!

You can buy your voucher for the Saturday or the Sunday from the Friends shop https://shop.foscl.org.uk/

13/06/2026

Here's the next fabulous free event from the Settle-Carlisle: Footsteps In Time team.
It's an 8 mile hike but there are other options for those just interested in history and a chat. Plus we can direct you down to the chapel by car if you want to enjoy the theatre piece.
Come along to Ribblehead Station Tearoom and Visitor Centre and our friendly team can help and guide you