YCR_About

The intention to build a line from Scarborough to Whitby was conceived as early as 1865, but work was not started until 15 years later by the Scarborough & Whitby Railway Co. When the line opened on 16 July 1865 it was worked by the North Eastern Railway (NER) in return for half of the receipts.

Disputes followed from the S&W Rlwy Co. about how the line was being run, and the NER responded with complaints about the line’s construction. In 1898, the NER bought the railway for less than half its construction costs.

The route was challenging to build and connect to existing services. A tunnel was constructed at Falsgrave to avoid crossing a main road. Another tunnel was constructed at Ravenscar. At the north end of the route, the River Esk had to be crossed which necessitated the large Larpool viaduct. From this a steep descent was made to connect with the existing line from Middlesborough to Whitby.

With the route being so close to the sea, and the steep gradients encountered; particularly the climb to Ravenscar, it suffered operating difficulties in bad weather when the line was greasy due to fog and sea frets. Trains often got stuck in these conditions and blocked the line!

The line was closed following the Beeching report and the last passenger service ran on 6 March 1965. The track bed was purchased by Scarborough Council who now maintain the route as a trailway.

For more detailed information about the route, the following books and videos can be recommended, though some are out of print:
Books:
The Scarborough & Whitby Railway by Robin J Lidster
Yorkshire Coast Lines by Robin J Lidster
published by: Hendon Publishing Company, Hendon Mill, Nelson, Lancashire
Videos:
Marsden Rail - Area 13 - Brakevan to Whitby
info@cinerail.com http://cinerail.com/marsden2.html
Cinerail Archive Series #11 - East Yorkshire Steam
info@cinerail.com http://www.cinerail.com/archive-series/archive-series-volume-11.html