Wensleydale Railway has started major track repair work as part of its plans to restore passenger services from Leyburn to Redmire.

The section of line between Leyburn and Redmire has been closed to the public since 2020 due to the deteriorating condition of the track and infrastructure, but repair work began over the weekend.

Some of the track dates back to before the First World War and it is the railway's goal to restore passenger services between Leyburn and Redmire by September 2025.

However, progress has been hampered by a 0.75-mile section of damaged track close to Wensley Station that is in desperate need of repair.

The earthworks which carried the railway along the foot of cliffs below Leyburn Shawl have eroded and material has fallen into the adjacent fields.

(Image: Michael Metcalfe)

The railway plans to slew the track away from the embankment edge and onto what was once part of the quarry sidings.

More than £50,000 was raised from a fundraising appeal in 2022. The railway launched a follow-up fundraising appeal in July 2024, as part of its ongoing plans to restore passenger train services to Redmire.

(Image: Michael Metcalfe)

This appeal is focused on the damaged track close to Wensley Station.

Nick Keegan, fundraising and marketing manager at Wensleydale Railway, said: "We launched our latest fundraising appeal in July and have received close to £20,000 in donations towards this essential repair work.

"We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us so far.

"We are making progress with our goal of reopening services to Redmire by 2025.

"However, the work is challenging, time-consuming, and costly. We would welcome further donations to help us reach our target of £30,000.

"Our community railway runs through the heart of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales.

"I would urge local people and businesses to back this appeal and our ongoing plans to showcase our amazing region to visitors."