Originally Posted by
Graham Breeze
The other fascinating thing is that once upon a time a railway connected Grassington (actually Threshfield) from Skipton. The line was closed for passengers quite early but 7 miles and 9 chains of it remain to allow the quarry to send out aggregate by train by the thousands of tonnes pulled by a single GBRf General Motors Class 66 generating 2500HP at the rail. About a mile from the quarry is a train driver controlled level crossing but what actually happens is that the quarry sends a man in a van who opens the gates railside just in time so the train can purr through without stopping. Up to four times a day. The trackbed is maintained by Network Rail and is kept in immaculate condition.
Splendidly ballasted!
Going out riding is so exciting and 34 miles today makes over 700 miles so far this year. Woo hoo.
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