The Esk Valley

Join us for a memorable day out over one of Britain's most scenic and least-travelled railway routes. This special excursion offers the rare opportunity to travel the entire Esk Valley Line between Middlesbrough and Whitby, enjoying the spectacle of steam haulage over a line renowned for its rural charm, dramatic landscapes and fascinating railway history.

Our train departs from Carnforth, steam hauled, and calls at Bentham, Hellifield, Skipton, Leeds and York to pick up passengers. From York, we head north along the East Coast Main Line, traversing the famous high-speed stretch through Thirsk to Northallerton.

Leaving the ECML at Northallerton, we take the Eaglescliffe line and cross the magnificent Yarm Viaduct high above the River Tees before continuing through Middlesbrough to join the Esk Valley Line. The climb begins immediately as we ascend towards Nunthorpe and Battersby.\, one of the most unusual stations in Britain. Once an important junction, Battersby now requires all trains to reverse direction before continuing their journey.

Following the reversal at Battersby, our train continues, diesel hauled, through the heart of the North York Moors. This delightful section passes through the remote villages of Kildale, Commondale, Danby and Glaisdale, showcasing some of the most picturesque countryside in northern England.

At Grosmont, where the Esk Valley Line meets the famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway, we continue eastwards alongside the River Esk. The line winds through the attractive villages of Sleights and Ruswarp before arriving at the historic seaside town of Whitby.

There will be just over an hour to explore Whitby at leisure. Famed for its maritime heritage and as the home of Captain James Cook, Whitby offers visitors a wealth of attractions, from its bustling harbour and charming narrow streets to the iconic Abbey perched high above the town. Of course, no visit would be complete without sampling Whitby's renowned fish and chips.

For the return journey, our train departs Whitby steam hauled as far as Battersby. From there, diesel traction takes over to Stockton, where our steam locomotive once again resumes sole charge for the run via Middlesbrough, Northallerton and York. We then continue southwards, setting down passengers at Leeds, Skipton, Hellifield, Bentham and Carnforth.

On Board Catering