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The original Holywell Bridge was beginning to show signs of being unsuitable
for the heavy loads it carried (the A59 crosses the track here), and plans were
afoot to demolis the bridge and fill in the cutting. Here some of the P-Way
team are seen investigating the state of the ground.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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This is the old Holywell Bridge in the cutting, and its construction is
clear. A solution to the bridge problem was to insert an armco arch into the
structure, and then fill the remaining space with concrete...
(c) Charles Boylan.
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...as can be seen in this picture of the bridge from a similar location. It
was essential that the bridge was retained in that capacity, even though the
line hadn't reached Holywell at the time. If it had been infilled, we would
never have reached Stoneacre, let alone Bolton Abbey.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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The bridge is seen closer up this time, and it becomes more obvious that attempts
have been made to blend it into the surroundings - using stonework to fill in
around the arch.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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Work is progressing underneath the bridge in this picture. Owing to the
alteration in design, there was less room beneath the bridge for clearances,
and so the trackbed was partially dug out to lower the track. It wasn't all
done by hand as this photograph might imply, but some of the work for the
drainage was, as shown here with the breaking up of some rocks.
(c) Paul Warner.
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The track is in place under Skibeden Footbridge as Ruston 887
passes underneath with a ballast hopper in tow, en route to Holywell.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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On a frosty morning the site of Holywell Halt is viewed, with signs just
visible of the platform wall being built. In the background the rebuilt Holywell
Bridge is visible, and the trackbed leading towards Stoneacre and beyond.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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The line is now open to Holywell halt, and here we see a train ready to depart,
probably being hauled by Beatrice. As there would appear
to be no passengers, it may be that this was the inspection run or the guaging
train.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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Holywell Halt as first completed and opened in 1987 with a short platform and
the wooden shelter which still survives today (just).
(c) Andy Lister.
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Another view of Holywell taken from up the hillside. This location was developed
as a picnic area, with access obtained by a footpath crossing the railway and
steps cut into the side of the hill. The beauty of the location is apparant.
(c) Andy Lister.
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There was one problem with Holywell Halt which quickly came to light - it
was too small! As a result the platform was extended to cope with three coaches
- the process that is seen in these photos.
(c) Andy Lister.
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Here supplies for the building work are being unloaded from a wagon, as work
progresses on the new platform wall. In the near future, more work will take
place at Holywell as the old shelter is rotten, and the former 'Stationmaster's
Office' was burnt down by vandals. A brick building is proposed, with footpath
access being proposed from Skibeden Footbridge which carries a right of way.
(c) Andy Lister.
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The completed, extended Holywell Halt, seen from the Holywell Bridge side of the station, looking back
towards Embsay.
(c) M.G.Riley.
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This view from the picnic area and nature trail shown the Stationmaster's
building, which was sadly burnt down a couple of years ago by vandals, and
gives a good impression of the situation of the halt.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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Beatrice is seen here at Holywell, waiting to return to
Embsay with a train.
(c) Dave Hebden.
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This is taken from the Stoneacre side of Holywell Bridge, looking towards
Embsay. It shows the progress being made on the extension to Stoneacre - the
trackbed has been cleared of vegetation in preparation for drainage work. The
drainage on the section between Holywell Halt and Stoneacre is still poor, but
it doesn't flood too much now.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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This is taken from the Stoneacre side of Holywell Bridge, looking through the
bridge towards Embsay, with signs of tracklaying in progress!
(c) Dave Outibridge.
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Locomotive Beatrice is seen here on the Stoneacre side
of Holywell bridge, with both driver and fireman perched on the cutting side
(top left of picture). It is probable that this photograph is the occasion of
the test run prior to opening, or the inspection train.
(c) YDRMT collection.
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An unidentified loco heads towards Holywell Bridge from Stoneacre with a mixed goods train, probably as part of one of the
Harvest of Steam events.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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The line to Stoneacre is now open as Primrose leaves
Holywell on its way to Stoneacre. The crossing to get up to the picnic area is
visible just underneath the loco.
(c) Dave Hebden.
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No. 22 in red livery is seen passing through Holywell
Halt with a passenger train in winter. Despite being quite a rough rider, 22
was used successfully on winter services where the loadings weren't so heavy.
Having said this, the loco's power is impressive - see the
YDR News article about it's life at Fishburn.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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The visiting 4F is seen passing through Holywell either on a P-Way working or
as part of a special event. I would suspect the
P-Way working was more likely - possibly in order to carry materials for the
next phase of the extension work towards Bolton Abbey.
(c) Robert Milner.
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Primrose is seen here hauling a train from Stoneacre
towards Holywell Halt as part of a 'Kiddies Day'. The photograph was taken
from the cutting which is just on the Stoneacre side of the roadbridge.
(c) Charles Boylan.
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The bridge has certainly fitted into the landscape better, even though most
of is obscured! Here Annie passes under the bridge whilst
working the line in the winter. Not many lines rely on a 12" Peckett to run
all the services!!
(c) H. Meyer (YDRMT).
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View from the bridge side of Holywell Halt, looking back towards Embsay, showing something of the view afforded to passengers
who travel along the line. This was taken before any of the work at Holywell was carried out - see below.
(c) Tim Warner.
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View towards Holywell Bridge (and beyond) showing the current state of the halt. The trackwork
looks in top condition thanks to the help from GrantRail who were testing their new machines along
the line recently.
(c) William Lister.
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The visiting 'Pug' (51218) is seen here on a
member's charter with Stephen Middleton's L & Y Director's Saloon
as it enters Holywell Halt in fading light. The photo is taken from the
platform shelter, in appalling weather conditions - hence the poorish
quality! The coach was used use in 2002 on the Stately Trains, as
the two GER 6-wheelers went on loan to the North Norfolk Railway for the year
for use with their J15. The black and white striped post in the background is
the fixed distant signal for Stoneacre Loop - LMS style.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Monckton No.1 passes under Holywell Bridge, on its way to Embsay, passing
through Holywell Halt before the work commenced.
(c) Tim Warner.
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The Class 107 approaches Holywell Halt under the bridge. This is the
section that was relaid in early 2003 (see further down).
(c) Rob Daniels.
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Heading the other way, the DMU is seen waiting in the station, showing the way it looked before any work was carried out. There
is a comparative view further down the page.
(c) Rob Daniels.
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The Halt is seen after the platform edging has been replaced (to the right), and clearly shows the alterations to the waiting
shelter and the new nameboard to the left. Another identical board is at the right had side of the platform, out of view.
(c) William Lister.
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The colour scheme for Holywell Halt is BR (NE), the same as Stoneacre, to provide a variety of historical periods along the
line. Embsay is LMS, and Bolton Abbey is MR.
(c) William Lister.
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Just on the Stoneacre side of Holywell Bridge, Monckton heads for Embsay with a passenger train,
following on from all the relaying carried out under the bridge.
(c) Tom Ireland.
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Initially when Holywell's shelter was rebuilt, the canopy was just left as it had been, as can be seen from this photo of the
Class 107 DMU calling at the station with guard Matthew in attendance.
(c) William Lister.
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Another view of the halt through 68005's rear spectacle glass as a train passes through.
(c) William Lister.
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Prior to the Teddy Bears' Picnic event, the canopy was rebuilt as can be seen in these two
photos, to offer passenges some further shelter. The station is decked out in anticipation of the event.
(c) William Lister.
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Stationmaster for the day, Danny once more poses for the camera as a couple of children (and adults) wait for the train.
(c) William Lister.
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The DMU has arrived at the halt, viewed from the other side of the line. Teddy Bears
have appeared everywhere...!
(c) William Lister.
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...even in the window of the DMU! The DMU waits to depart for Bolton Abbey as the bear on the milepost looks on!
(c) William Lister.
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Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust
Registered Charity No. 517804 - Registered Museum No. 60 Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF General Enquiries: 01756 710614 - Talking Timetables & Fax: 01756 795189 enquiries@embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk webmaster@embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk |
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