The Pickering and Whitby Railway was built in an attempt to improve links from Whitby to the rest of the country so halting the decline of Whitby as a port. It opened in 1836 as a horse drawn railway to Pickering, which included a rope hauled incline at Beckhole. The line was acquired by the York and North Midland Railway in 1845 and converted to steam power and building the stations . The Beckhole incline was equipped with a stationary steam engine and iron hauling rope. In 1854 the company became part of the North Eastern Railway who constructed a new route to avoid the Beckhole incline. This has become a popular walking trail. Thgere is a lot more information about the old railway and the walk from #2 here.
The line was extended to Malton where it joined the York to Scarborough line.
Following the Beeching Report, the line was closed for passenger transport in 1965 and to freight the following year. A preservation group was formed to purchase the line and run it as a heritage line, reopening in 1972. Not only is it a popular tourist attraction bringing money into the area, it is also a major employer with over one hundred paid staff and fifty seasonal staff as well as many enthusiastic volunteers. Since 2007, the railway has been operating some services on Network Rail into Whitby.
At 18 miles from Pickering to Grosmont (or 24 miles into Whitby), this is one of the longest preserved standard gauge railways. it is an exhilarating run through the North York Moors and down the Esk valley into Whitby.
Most trips begin at Pickering Station.
This is a long low stone building in the centre of the town and almost impossible to photograph with cars parked on the road outside.
It has been restored to its 1930s appearance with booking office and parcels office, signal box and footbridge painted in the traditional green and cream.
On a wall is a tile map showing the extent of the North Eastern Railway. There were once found at all stations, but few now survive.
Pickering station originally had a roof but this was removed by British Railways in 1952 as it was badly corroded. This has now been replaced to the original design.
Leaving Pickering Station, the line passes the carriage sheds where small diesels or coaches may be seen.
The line was extended to Malton where it joined the York to Scarborough line.
Following the Beeching Report, the line was closed for passenger transport in 1965 and to freight the following year. A preservation group was formed to purchase the line and run it as a heritage line, reopening in 1972. Not only is it a popular tourist attraction bringing money into the area, it is also a major employer with over one hundred paid staff and fifty seasonal staff as well as many enthusiastic volunteers. Since 2007, the railway has been operating some services on Network Rail into Whitby.
At 18 miles from Pickering to Grosmont (or 24 miles into Whitby), this is one of the longest preserved standard gauge railways. it is an exhilarating run through the North York Moors and down the Esk valley into Whitby.
Most trips begin at Pickering Station.
This is a long low stone building in the centre of the town and almost impossible to photograph with cars parked on the road outside.
It has been restored to its 1930s appearance with booking office and parcels office, signal box and footbridge painted in the traditional green and cream.
On a wall is a tile map showing the extent of the North Eastern Railway. There were once found at all stations, but few now survive.
Pickering station originally had a roof but this was removed by British Railways in 1952 as it was badly corroded. This has now been replaced to the original design.
Leaving Pickering Station, the line passes the carriage sheds where small diesels or coaches may be seen.
Last edited: