Bob Lawrence takes a ride on the re-opened Wensleydale Railway from Leeming Bar to Leyburn.

THE re-opening of part of the Wensleydale Railway to passenger traffic has caused great excitement among rail enthusiasts and communities along the line.

Sadly, it may be a little while before the trains have a direct connection with services on the East Coast mainline at Northallerton. But I still thought it worth driving to the present starting point at Leeming Bar to take the train to the delightful town of Leyburn.

The journey there involves vintage diesel railcar units, with several stops for level crossings.

Toilets, buffet or caf facilities and a gift shop are provided at Leeming Bar and Leyburn stations.

The train passes through several delightful stations, and at least two of these - Finghall and Crakehall - may eventually re-open for passenger use, because the railway has the lease on the buildings.

It is also hoped to re-open stations at Bolton Castle and Aysgarth, although new track will have to be re-laid beyond Redmire to make this possible.

In the meantime, Leyburn is well worth a visit, with its antique shops, market place, cafs and restaurants.

There is even an inter-active model village called Beech End, where young and old can drive vehicles along the roads, steer boats around the canal and peep inside the houses.

At the top end of the town is The Shawl, the starting point for a country walk with splendid views across Wensleydale.

Until the end of October, the line, operated on a 99-year lease by a mixture of volunteer and paid staff, offers four services in each direction, leaving Leeming Bar for the 45-minute journey to Leyburn every two hours, starting at 10.30am. Services for Leeming Bar leave Leyburn every two hours, starting at 11.30am. But from next Easter it is hoped the railway, originally opened in the mid-1800s, will provide an hourly service in each direction.

The ultimate dream is to be able to start trains at York and eventually run right through Wensleydale to the Settle and Carlisle line.

Fact file:

Day Rover fare, valid on all services on the day of issue, costs £8 each, but children can go for £4.80 and senior citizens for £6.40. Family tickets are £21, for two adults and two children. Under-fives travel free. For details of "scary trains" for the half-term break, and Santa specials in November and December, phone 08454 505474, or log on to www.wensleydalerailway.com

Thursday afternoon Storyteller facilities for pre-school children finish on October 30.

Updated: 09:51 Saturday, September 27, 2003