Today, there is a regular electric train service linking Keighley to Bradford, following a path along the Aire Valley to Shipley and on to Bradford. But, at one time, there was a second service linking Keighley to Bradford via Queensbury. Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1883, it carried passengers and freight until 1963 and offered spectacular scenic views across the moors.
We will arrive at Cullingworth Village Hall by 11 am for tea or coffee, followed by an illustrated talk about this lost line and its future as leisure trail.
After a buffet lunch we will stroll along the track bed of the line with some splendid views of open countryside and a reservoir. This is a walk of just over two miles on a well maintained tarmac path. It is mainly flat with a few gentle slopes. The 17 span Hewenden Viaduct, now a grade 11 listed structure, is particularly impressive and undoubtedly the highlight of the walk.
At 3 pm our coach will takes us to Oxenhope, terminus of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway where there is to opportunity to look at railway engines and carriages waiting for restoration, or visit the shop and café.
At 4 pm we catch a diesel heritage service to Keighley (for those returning home by train along the Aire Valley line) or Ingrow where we will be picked up by our coach for the return home.
A buffet lunch is included in the cost of this trip.
Coach pick up points and times:
- 9:30 Otley old Argos on Boroughgate
- 9:40 Burley opposite Red Lion
- 9:55 Ilkley Railway Road.
- 10:05 Addingh Memorial Hall bus stop
- 10:15 Silsden bus layby by Wesley Place Car Park
- 10:30 Keighley train station
Cost: £32 per person. Payment details are provided in the confirmation email. For those with passes on the Worth Valley Railway, deduct £7.
About the Railway Group
From October to Easter the group has a wide range of speakers at a fortnightly meeting in Clarke Foley. During the summer, the group likes to get out and about, often involving getting on a train! For further information select this link.
We will be using the u3a audio tour guide system so please bring your own headphones. Any that use a standard 3.5 mm jack plug, often provided with portable music players or mobile phones will work.
Alternatively email John Hancock (octopuss@btinternet.com) before the event to order new headphones at £3 cash payable on the day.
| Ilkley & District u3a members select here |
| To join Ilkley & District u3a and attend this and other events select here |