Leeds to Ilkley line

[Lewis lamb62)]

I was talking to a friend yesterday who had rode the Leeds to Ilkley line recently on a 333, he said the line is very picturesque and has some great views. I’ve always liked lines with a view and
was wondering if anyone else had rode this line and if it’s worth the money? Thanks

 

[xotGD]

Time for my embarrassing admission: despite living just a couple of miles from the Ilkley line (from Shipley) I've never been there by train!

I see required track every time I go to Leeds, but I just haven't got round to doing it.

 

[Ploughman]

To me the scenic bit is from Menston to Ilkley .
How long does that take to do 4 1/2 miles?

 

[yorksrob]

It is quite scenic, and also quite cheap.

 

[John Webb]

If you can spare an hour or two to go eastwards to nearby Otley (no longer on a railway line, alas!) there is a remarkable memorial near the Parish church:
Bramhope Tunnel memorial, in Otley churchyard

© Copyright John M Wheatley and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
(Click on picture to go to the larger original.)

 

[Ploughman]

If you can spare an hour or two to go eastwards to nearby Otley (no longer on a railway line, alas!) there is a remarkable memorial near the Parish church:
Bramhope Tunnel memorial, in Otley churchyard

© Copyright John M Wheatley and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
(Click on picture to go to the larger original.)

Bramhope is not on the Leeds - Ilkley but on the Harrogate line although there was a connection via Arthington and Menston to the Ilkley line but now lifted.
My photo of the Harrogate end portal of the tunnel one frosty morning after a tamping shift.

 

[route101]

This line is on my list to . Living in Glasgow so not too easy.

 

[Condor7]

Like xotGD I have never travelled to Ilkley by train, but am very familiar with the countryside it travels through which is very pretty, however as the years have gone by urbanisation has slowly crept along the route. Bearing in mind the whole journey from leaving the Aire Valley Line to Ilkley only takes 17 or 18 minutes depending on which train you get, it is quite short. However Ilkley in particular is well worth looking around, a pretty but busy town with lots of interesting shops and plenty of places to eat, plus a lovely walk along the river Wharf.

 

[30907]

For variety you can head on by bus to Bolton Abbey and the Embsay railway, thence to Skipton.