2. The Cumbrian Coast-21.06.24

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2024 > 53. A Cumbrian caper-20-22.06.24 > 2. The Cumbrian Coast-21.06.24

After getting off to a great start following a hearty Morrison's breakfast Andy and me started making our way along the Cumbrian Coast in sunshine. However, a strong and somewhat chilly northwesterly wind brought a lot of cloud in off the sea with most of the day being rather overcast. We made our way all the way along the coast as far as Barrow-in-Furness almost repeating our 2013 trip but taking our time on this occasion. A great way to spend the longest day of the year!

Click here to search The Archive Files

Images 1-45 of 45 displayed.

Wigton signal box (BR, 1957), up starter & loading bay
I took a very similar photograph to this one back in 2013 during my last visit to Wigton, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30061915043/x12-wigton-signal-box-br-1957-up. However, I make no excuses for taking another as the number of mechanical boxes on the network has shrunk massively since then. The box is a standard British Railways (LMR) box constructed in 1957. I have no information as to what it replaced unless anybody can advise. It is now the fringe box from Carlisle. It does not look like the short siding to the loading bay behind me has seen anything on it for a long time! Re-visiting my web notes from 2013 reveals that I made a very similar comment then!
Keywords: Wigton signal box BR, 1957 up starter

156496 & 156487, NT 09.02 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (2C46, 24L), Wigton station
In the past, judging by the heritage information and photographs on display at Wigton station, there were two rather grand buildings on each platform. Today passengers make do with a couple of bus shelter type structures to protect them from the worst of the Cumbrian coast weather! 156496 leads 156487 into the station working the 09.02 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness Northern service with just one passenger joining the train who was just out of sight to the right.
Keywords: 156496 156487 09.02 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 2C46 Wigton station Northern

156487 & 156496, NT 09.02 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (2C46, 24L), Wigton station
All trains were heavily delayed on the Cumbrian coast route on the day of our visit with some cancellations too. Catching the last of the early morning sunshine at Wigton, 156487 and 156496 depart with the 2C46 09.02 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness service. The train is just passing the up starter (WN37) and is about to pass the 1957 built BR standard signalbox.
Keywords: 156487 156496 09.02 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 2C46 Wigton station Northern

156483, NT 07.50 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C41, 11L), Low. Row NY190449
With the cloud drifting in from the nearby coast on a brisk northwesterly wind the edge has been taken off the sun. 156483 rattles along the bullhead track near the hamlet of Low Row working the delayed 07.50 Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle service. Whilst waiting for this train, Andy and I were entertained by the farmers making hay for silage to be consumed over the coming winter.
Keywords: 156483 07.50 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle 2C41 Low. Row NY190449 Northern

Maryport Station signal box (LMS, 1933)
The second box along the Cumbrian coast route from Carlise is Maryport. The box is a rather grand LMS structure dating from 1933. Today, I suspect that there are more white levers in the box than of any other colour with it controlling very little compared with what it did in the past. When I photographed the box back in 1984 it looked very different to this with no ugly UPVC panelling disfiguring it. Like Wigton station a little earlier, Maryport station was once a very grand affair with a large station building and overall roof in keeping with the large numbers of Victorians and Edwardians that visited the seaside resort for their holidays.
Keywords: Maryport Station signal box LMS 1933

156486, NT 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C45, 6L), Derwent Junction
During my survey of the Cumbrian coast line in 1985, I stood at a very similar spot to this in order to photograph Derwent Junction signal box that was located about level with the train on the far side. It controlled a number of lines and sidings that led down to the docks through where the trees are now growing to the right. 156486 has just left Workington station just beyond the footbridge working the 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle service. Incidentally, when I get around to scanning and uploading my 1985 images I will provide a link here; but don't hold your breath!
Keywords: 156486 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle 2C45 Derwent Junction Northern

156483, NT 11.11 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (5C50, 9E), Derwent Junction
With all trains on this route either late or cancelled due to 'signalling issues' Northern was forced to run an ecs from Carlisle to then provide a relief service for stranded and delayed passengers. Not shown on the working timetable, the 5C50 11.11 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness approaches Workington past where there were once lines of sidings and the point where the line stretched off to Cockermouth. There was another signal box off to the right named Siddick Junction that I also photographed during my 1985 visit but it was derelict even by then.
Keywords: 156483 11.11 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 5C50 Derwent Junction Northern

Heritage display featuring Derwent Haematite Iron Works signal box, Workington station
The down platform at Workington features some large displays covering the history and heritage of the railways and the famous former steelworks. One of the displays included this photograph showing Derwent Haematite Iron Works signal box. This was a box that 'got away' during my 1985 visit having been closed and partially demolished just weeks before. When I get around to scanning and uploading the images from this visit I will put a link to it here.
Keywords: Heritage display featuring Derwent Hematite Iron Works signal box Workington station

156483, NT 11.11 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (5C50, 9E), Workington station
The 11.11 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness Northern service arrives at Workington station worked by 156483. It has just passed the unusually located 1886 LNWR Type 4+ signal box. Also, notice the ground disc signals - the left two of which are no longer in use with the tracks all but lifted.
Keywords: 156483 11.11 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 5C50 Workington station Northern

Workington Main Number 3 signal box (LNW, 1886)
The northern end of Workington station features the lovely 1886 London North Western signal box that has been a little spoilt by UPVC cladding. The box controls a number of signals and points including (nearest to the camera) Main's No. 3 down starter (signal WM3 23) and the starter for exit from the infrequently used reception sidings (signal WM3 21).
Keywords: Workington Main Number 3 signal box LNW 1886 LNWR

156482, NT 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C45, 6L), Workington station
The railways around Workington are a shadow of what they once were. With the closure of the steelworks in 2006 the curtain was brought down on another UK-based industry leaving us vulnerable to foreign imports. The scene to the south of Workington station epitomises the situation with overgrown sidings, removed track and rusty railheads. 156482 drifts into the station working the 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle service. The platform was surprisingly busy with the train well loaded, indicating that the railways are doing well in this area.
Keywords: 156482 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle 2C45 Workington station

156482, NT 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C45, 6L), Workington station
The 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle service arrives at Workington station worked by 156482. A concerted effort has been made to smarten the station up and the heritage display along the wall to the left was very informative. There was also a small shop and refreshment room on the station concourse run by the friends of the station where I bought a couple of second-hand railway books and the obligatory fridge magnet!
Keywords: 156482 09.28 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle 2C45 Workington station Norhern

Mural, Parton
Parton is a small settlement nestled on the coast between Workington and Whitehaven. It has a small station that has a regular service in both directions towards either Carlisle or Barrow. Whilst standing on the platform, I noticed this impressive mural on the rear wall of the appropriately named Station Inn. I am not sure what the steam locomotive pictured is but it's nice to see. The U-boat is a nod to the infamous attack on the village and its surrounds that took place on 15.08.1915 causing little damage despite the Germans reporting complete destruction. The reason for the attack was in an effort to destroy the nearby village of Lowca where a mine had been opened up to extract benzene and other chemicals, such as toluene (a vital ingredient of TNT) from coal.
Keywords: Mural Parton

156421, NT 10.14 Lancaster-Carlisle (2C51, 2L), Parton station
Northern's 10.14 Lancaster to Carlisle service arrives at Parton station worked by 156421. Not every train stops at Parton station but the small village just north of Whitehaven enjoys a regular stopping pattern.
Keywords: 156421 10.14 Lancaster-Carlisle 2C51 Parton station Northern

156421, NT 10.14 Lancaster-Carlisle (2C51, 2L), Providence Bay
Taken from Parton station 156421 is seen hugging the base of the cliff as it passes Providence Bay working the 2C51 10.41 Lancaster to Carlisle service. There are a number of dramatic coastal routes on the UK rail network but the Cumbrian coast is often forgotten with the famous South Devon route being the one that most people immediately think of. The difference is that the wild ruggedness of the Cumbrian route makes it stand out and, in fact, I prefer it!
Keywords: 156421 10.14 Lancaster-Carlisle 2C51 Providence Bay Northern

156486, NT 12.10 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (2C52, 10E), Lowcra Point NY978215
A photograph that did not go quite to plan! I was hoping for a bit more of a curve so the length of the train could be seen rather than this head-on view. Nonetheless, the combination of sun, blue sky, sea and a train makes it acceptable! 156486 trundles along the sea wall at Lowcra Point working the 12.10 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness service. Andy was located several hundred yards behind me and I suspect that his image was better than mine.
Keywords: 156486 12.10 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 2C52 Lowcra Point NY978215 Northern

St. Bees signal box (Furness, 1891) & station
I have numerous photographs of St. Bees' superb Furness signal box. I make no excuses for capturing the 1891 structure again as it is such a superb building that is surely on borrowed time now. This design is characteristically robust and built in local stone with a lovely pyramidal hip roof. Notice the wooden sign on the front of the former station building that is now in use as a guest house.
Keywords: St. Bees signal box Furness 1891 station

156487 & 156496, NT 13.15 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (5C55, 3E), Nethertown station
Nethertown is up there in the top ten of the most remote stations in the country! It is located down a very steep and partially un-made road nestling between the sea and escarpment. As can be seen, the track was once double here but was singled in the past. Andy and I visited the station during our 2013 visit but saw no trains then. With a little more time on our hands this time around we were able to wait a little longer. 156487 is seen leading 156496 passing the station working the 13.15 Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle service.
Keywords: 156487 13.15 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle 5C55 Nethertown station Northern

Andy, Nethertown station
This is our second visit to this station, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30061915056/x22-andy-nethertown-station Andy proudly models on Nethertown station with the Irish Sea in the background. The station once boasted a station building, some sidings and a signal box seeing its heyday during World War II bringing many members of the military to and from a large training camp constructed nearby. After the war, the same camp was the home to thousands of construction workers involved with the building of the Sellafield plant (then known as Calder Hall). Today, it has a very meagre stopping service with passenger numbers being just 960 during 2022 and 2023 equating to just 2.6 people per day.
Keywords: Andy, Nethertown station

156482, NT 13.07 Carlisle-Lancaster (2C54, RT), Nethertown
156482 travels along the Cumbrian Coast working the 13.07 Carlisle to Lancaster service past Nethertown station. This view clearly shows the remote nature of this station with St. Bees head prominent in the background. Notice my car, the sole occupier of the station 'car park'!
Keywords: 156482, NT 13.07 Carlisle-Lancaster (2C54, RT), Nethertown.

156482, NT 13.07 Carlisle-Lancaster (2C54, RT), Nethertown
I could not resist another photograph of the 13.07 Carlisle to Lancaster service from my vantage point above the line at Nethertown. 156482 is working the train past some holiday accommodation on the cliff top. On a grey and calm day like this I am sure that they are nice places to spend some time in but when a westerly storm is blowing in off the Irish Sea in November I bet that it feels a little different!
Keywords: 156482 13.07 Carlisle-Lancaster 2C54 Nethertown

68006 & 68033, stabled, Sellafield station
68006 'Pride Of The North' and 68033 'The Poppy' stand awaiting their next duty in a siding next to Sellafield station. A small part of the huge reprocessing facility is seen behind the locomotives with the ever-present cranes supporting its incessant development and growth! It is the associated freight traffic and the large number of workers who get to and from the facility by train that has probably kept the Cumbrian Coast line open.
Keywords: 68006 68033 stabled Sellafield station Pride Of The North The Poppy

Former water tower, Sellafield
Being built out of local stone and located on the Cumbrian Coast line would suggest that the water tower at the northern end of Sellafield station is of Furness heritage. It is a remarkable survivor and still looks to be in excellent condition.
Keywords: Former water tower Sellafield

156471, NT 13.19 Lancaster-Carlisle (2C57, 4L), Sellafield station
156471 arrives at Sellafield station working the 13.19 Lancaster to Carlisle service. Behind me, the platforms were busy with passengers who had finished their shifts at the nuclear reprocessing facility. It begged a conversation between Andy and me in who dictates the stopping pattern at Sellafield? Is it Northern who works around the Sellafield shifts or is it the other way around?
Keywords: 156471 13.19 Lancaster-Carlisle 2C57 Sellafield station Northern

156483, NT 14.49 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle (2C59, RT), Drigg station
A gloomy day at Drigg with the fells shrouded in mist! 156483 works the 14.49 Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle service through the station passing the 1871 Furness signal box. Much recent work was evident at the level crossing with new manual gates installed and the road surface re-laid.
Keywords: 156483 14.49 Barrow-in-Furness-Carlisle 2C59 Drigg station Northern

156421, NT 14.08 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (2C56, 8L), Drigg station
Slowing for its stop at Drigg station 156421 is framed by an attractive rose growing wild on the platform. The Northern service was the 2C56 14.08 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness. Apart from seeing the train earlier in the day the last time that I photographed it was somewhat closer to home, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/29805712004/x156421-08-20-heaton-tmd-wolverton
Keywords: 156421 14.08 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 2C56 Drigg station Northern

Bootle signal box (Furness, 1871)
Bootle signal box is seen at the northern end of the down platform. It is a Grade II listed structure 'as a rare surviving example of a Furness Railway Type 1 signal box, being the least altered example of the two survivors on the national rail network' according to the citation on the Historic England entry. Close examination of the photograph does reveal some rot to the timbers of the box so it appears that some timely maintenance by Network Rail is required.
Keywords: Bootle signal box Furness 1871

156449, NT 14.41 Carlisle-Lancaster (2C30, 6L), Bootle station
Another example of the importance of the railways along the Cumbrian Coast route was observed at Bootle with a number of school children leaving the 2C30 14.41 Carlise to Lancaster train following its arrival The train is crossing the level crossing controlled by the 1874 Furness signal box. Apart from signage and various railings, this scene has changed little from 1985 visit. I will upload a scan of the image captured then when I eventually get around to it!
Keywords: 156449 14.41 Carlisle-Lancaster 2C30 Bootle station

Silecroft signal box (Furness, 1923)
The 1923 Furness box at Silecroft replaced an earlier structure diagonally opposite on the other side of the level crossing. Despite it being opened the same year that grouping took in 1923, thus under the auspices of the LMS, the box is a Furness Railway Company Type 4 structure - the last of their types.
Keywords: Silecroft signal box LMS 1923

Limestone Hall MCG ground frame
A real oddity of the Cumbrian Coast route is the presence of two manually controlled gate crossings within less than a mile of each other. What is unusual about these crossings is that they both control semaphore arms but are not absolute block being within the section from Silecroft (to the north) and Millom (to the south). I presume that neither Silcroft or Millom can pull off their signals until the crossings have closed their gates and pulled their respective home signals off. Limestone Hall MCG ground frame is seen adjacent to the A5053 level crossing with no protection offered to the signalman. On a June day such as this there would be no problems but just imagine operating the levers on a cold and wild night in January! At least the signalman has a small hut in which he can take shelter in between trains located just to the right of me!
Keywords: Limestone Hall MCG ground frame

Kirkstanton MCG
The second MCG (Manually Controlled Gate) crossing within less than a mile is seen on the A5093 road at Kirstanton. The signalman has the luxury of a protected cabin here; something that does not exist at the nearby Limestone Hall crossing. The home signal is controlled within the absolute block between Silecroft and Millom. Both the crossings also have combined home and distant bracket signals, very few of these are now left in operation. I have crossed this level crossing a number of times including during my first visit to the area in 1985 but did not bother to stop and photograph the mechanicals!
Keywords: Kirkstanton MCG

156491, NT 15.12 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (2C32, 8L), Millom station
156491 approaches Millom station passing the 1891 Furness signal box working the 15.12 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness Northern service. Notice the shunting disc signal for the rarely used crossover. The disc has a small diamond indicating to drivers that track circuits are in operation.
Keywords: 156491 15.12 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 2C32 Millom station northern

156491, NT 15.12 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (2C32, 8L), Millom station
The 15.12 Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness service gets away from Mllom station worked by 156491. The expanse of Duddon Bay is seen in the background beyond the bridge with fells of the Southern Lakes beyond. Notice the shabby state of the canopy of Millom station.
Keywords: 156491 15.12 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 2C32 Millom station Northern

Millom signal box (Furness, 1891)
The 1891 Millom signal box is tricky to photograph at close quarters and is somewhat different now than originally built due to more recent modernisation such as steel steps and UPVC cladding. The box was rebuilt in 1913 following complete destruction by a runaway train that derailed, the cause was put down to wet rails but in all probability was the old favourite 'leaves on the line'! To capture this image over a very high bridge parapet I had to resort to the use of my trusty step ladder.
Keywords: Millom signal box Furness 1891

156488, NT 16.01 Lancaster-Carlisle (2C37, 21L), Foxfield station
I have visited Foxfield station a number of times over the years and love the rural and remote feel of the station despite that the busy A595 passes close to the station. The station was once a junction where the branch to Coniston diverged that was closed in 1958 to passengers with full closure coming in 1962. I have stood in this spot before to try and replicate my 1979 photograph taken of a DMU but unfortunately have not got the positioning quite right, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/26718012404/m56250-m50947-14-40-barrow-furness In this view, 156488 is coming to a halt at the station working the 16.01 Lancaster to Carlisle and is drawing level with the superb 1879 Furness signal box.
Keywords: 156488 16.01 Lancaster-Carlisle 2C37 Foxfield station Northern

156481, NT 17.24 Sellafield-Barrow-in-Furness (2C38, 2E), Foxfield station
156481 approaches Foxfield station working the 17.24 Sellafield to Barrow-in-Furness service catering, largely, for the staff at the huge nuclear reprocessing plant. The train is about to pass the down starter/home signal controlled by the Furness signal box that is just out of shot to the right. Note Andy capturing the scene in the form of a video on his mobile 'phone.
Keywords: 156481 17.24 Sellafield-Barrow-in-Furness 2C38 Foxfield station

Former water tower, Foxfield station
Adopting its typical belt and braces approach to the construction of its assets the old water tower at Foxfield still stands and looks as if it is ready to fill the tender of a passing steam train at the drop of a hat! Unlike the stone-built water tower seen earlier in the day at Sellafield, this one is constructed of slate that was probably mined nearby at Consiton to where a branch line once went from Foxfield.
Keywords: Former water tower Foxfield station

Information display with my image included (lower left), Foxfield station waiting room
Some years ago a member of the Duddon Valley Local History Society contacted me to request the use of an image on my website. I agreed and subsequently forgot about it that is until I entered the waiting room at Foxfield station and inspected their very informative display. Bottom left is my image showing a Class 108 DMU at the station back in 1979, see... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/26718012404/m56250-m50947-14-40-barrow-furness Who would have thought that a photograph taken by a fifteen-year-old me on my Zenth EM in 1979 would be back on the station in 2024!
Keywords: Information display with my image included lower left Foxfield station waiting room

Askam signal box (Furness, 1890)
The superb Furness signal box at Askham dates from 1890 and is still in operation despite its planned closure in 2012! Whist Volker Rail was much in evidence during this visit along the Cumbria Line I do not believe that they were working towards full modernisation of the signalling but tinkering around the edges. Whatever the future holds, Askham box will remain as it is Grade II listed by English Heritage.
Keywords: Askam signal box Furness 1890

Askam signal box (Furness, 1890)
The English Heritage citation states that both the retaining red sandstone walling and the signal box are included in the Grade II preservation order which covers the signal box at Askham. The box is a fine and substantial Furness structure dating from 1890 that retains many of its original features including the chimney and pot. I have numerous photographs of the box taken over the years but make no excuses for this given its historical and architectural interest.
Keywords: Askam signal box Furness 1890

195120, NT 19.27 Barrow CS-Barrow-in-Furness (5Y91, 4L), Barrow-in-Furness station
195120 emerges from Barrow's newly constructed depot and carriage sidings ready to work a service later in the evening. The lighting is not as dramatic as it was during our last visit back in 2019, see... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/24425913804/x156443-2c51-185127-1c54-barrow-furness We also went to the same Indian restaurant we went to in 2019 but this time had to leave in a bit of a rush to avoid a fight between some other customers; welcome to Barrow-in-Furness!
Keywords: 195120 19.27 Barrow CS-Barrow-in-Furness 5Y91 Barrow-in-Furness station Northern

156471, NT 17.07 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness (2C40, 4E), Barrow-in-Furness station
156471 approaches its destination working the 2C40 17.07 ex Carlisle. It is about to pass the rear of the fine 1907 Furness signal box. Very little has changed since I took an almost identical photograph in 2019 but for the growth of weeds on the trackbeds, see... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/24425914804/x156443-2c51-barrow-furness-signal Ironically, when I visited the box in 1984 I photographed the ICI weedkilling train passing this spot hauled by a Class 25. The picture of this event will be scanned and uploaded when time permits!
Keywords: 156471 17.07 Carlisle-Barrow-in-Furness 2C40 Barrow-in-Furness station Northern

195120, NT 19.45 Barrow-in-Furness-Manchester Airport (cancelled from Lancaster) & 156482, NT 18.36 Lancaster-Barrow-in-Furness (2C47, 1E), Barrow-in-Furness station
With very grey and flat evening light at Barrow-in-Furness the photographs are rather disappointing despite receiving some Photoshop manipulation. Digital cameras are fantastic pieces of equipment but they struggle, especially Canons in my experience, with poor temperature rendition when the light becomes extremely flat. To the left 195120 will work the 19.45 service to Manchester Airport that was cancelled for some unexplained reason at Lancaster. To the right 156482 has just arrived with the 2C47 18.36 terminating service from Lancaster.
Keywords: 195120 19.45 Barrow-in-Furness-Manchester Airport cancelled from Lancaster 156482 18.36 Lancaster-Barrow-in-Furness 2C47 Barrow-in-Furness station Furness

156482, NT 19.50 Barrow-in-Furness-Barrow CS (5C47, 8E), Barrow-in-Furness station
Having just arrived at Barrow-in-Furness with the terminating 18.36 service from Lancaster it is now making its way to the depot and carriage sidings as 5C47. It is passing the miniature calling-on signal is raised allowing the train to pass the down starter whilst it is still at danger.
Keywords: 156482, 19.50 Barrow-in-Furness-Barrow CS (5C47, 8E), Barrow-in-Furness station.jpg

Images 1-45 of 45 displayed.