North Yorkshire Moors Railway

I told you that I have a devoted passion for railways, steam in particular.

I have visited a number a preserved steam railways, and my vote goes to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway between Pickering and Grosmont, then on to Whitby via the main line. All locomotives using the Whitby link have to comply with current regulations and have a 'ticket' approved by Network Rail. For those who are not fully aware the NYMR features on TV's Heatbeat with Grosmont station as Haidensfield. But my favorite location is Levisham. This station or halt is situated deep in the heart of the valley and has largely been untouch since it was built in the early 1900's. To sit and wait, then here the whistle of an oncoming service from Pickering echoing round the valley just brings goose bumps, it is really moving.

Amongst other services I have used are Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway, the Swanage Railway and The Great Central. The Severn Valley Railway I am not keen on; far to commercialised. They really do think they are the tops, no way!

The photo is Levisham with an approaching A4 Pacific locomotive, 'Sir Nigel Gresley'

If I had my way I would move to Levisham, there is a pair of old station cottages opposite the signal box, just before you move into Forestry Commission Land.