Major stretch of the Settle to Carlisle line to be closed during October half-term

Network Rail will spend £2million on demolishing two old bridges and installing modern structures in their place in the Stainforth area.

Yet the project means the section of the route between Skipton and Kirkby Stephen - one of the most scenic in the country - will be closed to trains during part of the October half-term holidays.

Although Northern will provide rail replacement buses for passengers, the timing will come as a blow for businesses which rely on tourism along the line.

Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ribblehead, Dent and Garsdale stations will all be out of use from Saturday October 24 until Wednesday October 28.

These stops are all popular with walkers - including those attempting the Three Peaks Challenge - cyclists and families.

The closure will also affect freight traffic.

It comes after a summer in which the line attracted more visitors than ever before thanks to Rail Charter Services' 'Staycation Express' trains aimed specifically at tourists, which complemented the regular Northern service.

Settle to Carlisle Railway Development Company chair John Moorhouse said: "Whilst any temporary line closure causes inconvenience, especially during school half-term holidays, such work is necessary to secure the future of this iconic railway line and benefit the many people who use it for a variety of purposes."

Northern regional director Steve Hopkinson added: “The Settle and Carlisle Line is one the most picturesque across the whole rail network and the work being carried out by Network Rail will ensure future generations can continue to experience this beautiful part of the north of England.

“We are working closely with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum and will provide a good rail replacement service to make sure our customers can still get where they need to be.”