Esk Valley line | |
---|---|
Overview | |
System | National Rail |
Locale |
North Yorkshire Yorkshire and the Humber North East England |
Operation | |
Owner | National Rail |
Technical | |
Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
Coordinates: 54°34′23″N 1°14′17″W / 54.573°N 1.238°W
The Esk Valley line is a railway line approximately 35 miles (56 km) long from Middlesbrough to Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. The route follows the course of the River Esk for much of its eastern half.
It was designated as a community rail line in July 2005, being one of seven intended pilots for the Department for Transport's Community Rail Development Strategy. Part of the line may be upgraded as part of the Tees Valley Metro project.
The line is operated by Northern using Class 142 and Class 156 DMUs. Previously Class 144 DMUs were used frequently. It is one of the most rural railway lines in England and its sole main line link is via Middlesbrough. It also has connections with the preserved North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Grosmont and Whitby.