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Tuesday 12 May 2026

Major accessibility upgrade at Yorkshire three-peaks station complete

Region & Route:

North West & Central: North West

| North West & Central

Passengers at Horton-in-Ribblesdale station will now benefit from step-free access to both platforms after a major accessibility and safety upgrade.

The £7.2m scheme, funded in part through the Department for Transport’s Access for All (AfA) programme, saw two new lifts and a new footbridge installed in the North Yorkshire station on the picturesque Settle to Carlisle line.

The station is close to Pen-y-Ghent, a fell that features in the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk.

Previously, passengers and walkers were required to cross the tracks over a foot crossing. The work makes crossing over to each platform safer for everyone.

The new bridge also enables the rail connection for the local Horton Quarry, from where aggregate can now be transported across the rail network removing lorries from the road and reducing overall Co2 emissions.  

Over the Easter period in 2025, the quarry was reconnected to the rail network 60 years after the original link was severed in 1965.

Rory Kingdon, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “The £7.2m investment to make Horton-in-Ribblesdale station accessible for all will make a huge difference to the local community and people visiting the scenic Yorkshire Dales national park, or embarking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

“I’d like to thank passengers, residents and walkers for their patience during the work"

In total, £1m of the funding comes from the Department for Transport’s Access for All mid-tier programme.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “We’re building a railway that works for everyone and these improvements at Horton-in-Ribblesdale station will mean more people can travel independently. Whether it’s commuting to work, accessing education, or visiting loved ones, everyone should be able to travel with confidence.

"With the support of Network Rail and local partners, our Access for All programme is delivering practical changes that make a real difference for passengers.”

On Thursday 16 April 2026, Network Rail was joined by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire to see the finished project.

David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The Three Peaks are world-class and draw in thousands every year, but the first hurdle of the challenge shouldn’t be at the station. 

“As a key part of our White Rose Plan for Rail, we want every station in the region to be fully accessible, this new bridge at Horton-in-Ribblesdale is a major step forward. 

“Improving safety, opening up the countryside, and taking lorries off the road, is ensuring this station serves our community and thousands of visitors for another 150 years.” 

The station is managed by train operator, Northern.

Kerry Peters, Northern’s director of stations, said: “We’re delighted this project has been completed, as providing step-free access makes a real difference to our customers.

“We’re hoping it will give more people the confidence to use Horton-in-Ribblesdale station, so they can enjoy journeys along one of the most scenic railway lines in Europe.

“We will continue to work with Network Rail to improve accessibility across our vast network and always welcome feedback from customers.”

For more information the Access for All scheme, visit Access for All – improving accessibility at railway stations nationwide - Network Rail.