Levisham Station (Yorkshire Adventure 7)

Monday, 23rd September, 2019.

The railway that runs from Whitby to Pickering is one of the oldest in Yorkshire, surveyed by George Stephenson in 1836.  After many years of service to the area, it was closed by British Rail in 1965.  However, in 1973, a group of enthusiasts succeeded in reopening the section between Grosmont and Pickering for steam engines.  Today, it is run by both full time staff and volunteers, and is the busiest heritage railway in the British Isles, carrying over 350,000 passengers per year. 

When we went to the station at Pickering to see a steam engine, we were told we could intercept one at Levisham, a station on the way to Pickering, as long as we hurried over the steep road over the moors which included hairpin bends and one-in-three gradients both up and down.  

Paul was obviously a rally driver in earlier life as he leapt to this challenge with relish.  I was in the passenger seat with my heart in my mouth as we flew around blind corners and up crests, with only fresh air visible at the top.  We arrived at the station triumphantly, gasping for breath, only to be told that the train was running 15 minutes late.  At least we did get to see it.  (Paul's picture above).

Here is Judith waiting patiently at the station, after our exciting ride (Paul's picture).

The steam railway hosts a lot of dress-up events, including Christmas and Halloween and period celebrations, e.g. wartime.

Here are Allo Allo stars Kim Hartman (Greta) and Richard Gibson (Herr Flick) posing with two proud volunteers.

AT last!  Here comes the train.

At the station (Paul's picture).