Yorkshire Dales explorer rail line to come through Bolton

Earlier this year, Northern announced that it would be reviving its DalesRail train service in the summer under the new name Yorkshire Dales Explorer.

The line will run on Saturdays and will operate from Rochdale and Ribblehead via Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Clitheroe and Hellifield.

Bee Network committee member Cllr Sean Fielding said: “The return of the Dales Rail service to Ribblehead via Bolton and Clitheroe is welcome after doubt was cast on whether the service would ever run again following its cancellation in 2023.

“The service may be summer Saturdays only this year, but I hope that bringing it back on Sundays could be considered in future too.

The new route will pass through Bolton Station (Image: Newsquest)

“This would provide a sustainable way to travel from Bolton to popular attractions in the Yorkshire Dales all weekend.

“If reinstated on Sundays the service could perhaps also call at Kearsley and Moses Gate, providing a long called for Sunday service at these stations.

“One of Bolton’s strengths is that it is extremely well connected on the rail network.

“Dales Rail’s comeback adds another fantastic destination to the list of places that can be reached from here via train.”

The previous Dales Rail Sunday route, which had run from Blackburn and Clitheroe to the Settle-Carlisle line at Hellifield was popular with weekend walkers.

In particular, it had been well used by people travelling from Bolton and further out in Lancashire into Yorkshire for day trips.

There they were able to enjoy the famous rolling hills, woodlands and mountains that have made the area such a popular destination.

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But the route was axed last summer after Northern had trouble with recruiting enough train staff who were prepared to work voluntary overtime shifts on Sundays.

But speaking in February this year, Northern regional director Craig Harrop said that he hoped to see the new Saturday service up and running by early June this year.

He said: “It is our intention to operate a weekly Saturday only service between Rochdale and Ribblehead via Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Clitheroe and Hellifield.

"The first train is expected to operate on Saturday, June 8.”