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Saved by the Paw: Dog Helped Save Historic Railway
1 May
Summary
- A dog's paw print helped save the historic Settle-Carlisle line from closure.
- The railway celebrated its 150th anniversary with 150p tickets.
- Ribblehead Viaduct, an engineering marvel, is a key landmark on the route.

The Settle to Carlisle railway line, renowned for traversing some of Britain's most stunning landscapes, is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Passenger services on this route commenced 150 years ago. To mark this milestone, tickets are currently available for just 150p. The line offers a unique travel experience, with conductors often providing commentary on the passing scenery, which was voted the second most scenic in the world last year.
In the 1980s, proposals to close the line were met with significant opposition. Thousands of individuals and even a dog named Ruswarp objected, leading to the installation of a statue commemorating the canine. This historic line is a testament to engineering, featuring the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
The Ribblehead Viaduct, an engineering marvel, is a defining feature of the route. Constructed with immense effort and loss of life, it stands over 100 feet high with 24 arches. The viaduct is crucial to the line's existence and contributes to its recognition as a vital green transport option.
Future plans indicate that by 2026, the railway will continue to serve regular passengers, commuters, and act as a diversion route for mainline trains, including steam engines travelling between London and Glasgow.