Without wishing to sound ‘trite’
this line simply “has it all”!
Outstandingly majestic steam
engines, powerfully billowing dense
clouds of smoke and steam as they
roar against a backdrop of the harsh
beauty of the moors, undeniably some
of the most dramatic railway scenery
the UK has to offer.
These mighty machines gracefully
traverse the bleak and rugged
landscape, halting at remote
locations, ‘dwarfing’ the cosy
station buildings which have eagerly
awaited the pleasure of their
arrival, literally ‘breathing life’
into the platforms of these isolated
communities.
Add to this charmingly preserved,
comfortable carriages from which the
breathtaking views are enjoyed and a
warm welcome from its professional
staff, all immaculately attired and
the resulting experience of riding
the NYMR is nothing short of 'first
class' in every way!
The small village of Grosmont
provides the terminus for the
railway and there couldn't be a more
fitting starting point for the line!
This is the point at which heritage
rail meets the national railway
network and whence the two often
work together to enable NYMR rolling
stock to continue as far as the
coastal terminus station at Whitby,
for a prolonged 'heritage
experience'!
The sight of majestic Engine
no.30936 dramatically traversing the
level crossing over Grosmont's main
village street, between smart white
gates, almost entirely enshrouded in
a plume of white smoke will forever
adorn our wall!
The ‘action’ taking place both on
and off the rails at this station,
authentically restored to how it was
in the 1960’s, may easily be viewed
from track level adjacent to the
level crossing itself and the
beholding sights cannot be missed!
A short stroll from Grosmont station
leads to a hive of activity at the
nearby engine sheds where many
routine maintenance and restorative
projects are undertaken. The
fascinating aspect of this stroll is
that it takes the visitor under
‘Grosmont Horse Tunnel’, probably
the oldest railway tunnel in
Britain! Completed in 1836 and built
as part of George Stephenson’s
horse-drawn railway between Whitby
and Pickering, this 119m long
tunnel, a Grade II listed building
with turrets and castellations on
its portals, now has a footpath
running under it where the tracks
once lay.
The utterly charming station of
Goathland is the first stop along
the line. Nestled in the bed of a
steep valley, when viewed from the
surrounding hills above, this
station is the epitome of cosiness
against the harsh backdrop of some
of the highest moor land. Its homely
feel is enhanced by cheerful
chimneys and floral displays and a
delightful arched iron footbridge,
immaculately restored to the
impeccable standards of the line.
A sharp upward hike from the station
takes the visitor to the lofty
heights of this village famous not
only for being, quite literally,
‘heaving’ with sheep but also for
its famous alter-egos as
‘Aidensfield’ and ‘Hogsmeade’ (of
‘Heartbeat’ and ‘Harry Potter’ fame
respectively).
Two smaller stations follow this
‘celebrity’ location. Although of
lower profile than Grosmont, Newton
Dale Halt and Levisham are stops of
outstanding beauty, with environs
captivating the very essence of this
entire line. Appealing to walkers
and those with a penchant for the
flora, fauna and tranquillity the
National Park has to offer.
The NYMR reaches its climax at
Pickering, a station recently
restored to the standards of its
glory days of the 1930’s, now
befitting its significant position
at the ‘gateway’ to the Moors.
The NYMR has etched a secure place
within our hearts, it truly
represents a seamless fusion of
man-made and natural beauty,
guaranteed to incite a cacophony of
emotions, ranging from exhilaration
to nostalgia to pure unadulterated
awe!
