FRIENDS of the Settle-Carlisle Line will launch their free guided tours of the Ribblehead Viaduct site later this month.

The viaduct – with its 24 arches spanning Batty Moss more than 100 feet below – is the jewel in the crown of the 72-mile scenic railway route.

The tour will look at the archaeological sites and the history of the viaduct, and how the navvies lived and built the structure with assistance from steam cranes and muscle power.

Places of interest include the site of the Batty Green Shanty Town, including the site of the hospital, the narrow gauge tramway, the maintenance shed for the steam locomotives, the brickworks, lime kilns, the stone sorting area and the viaduct itself.

FoSCL chairman, Douglas Hodgins, said: "The Settle-Carlisle line is very much open as usual for the 126 miles between Leeds and the major landslip just eight miles south of Carlisle.

"The popular Ribblehead walks can all be accessed by train. Passenger numbers have dropped by an alarming 75 per cent because of the mistaken idea that the line is closed.

"There has never been a better time to come and enjoy it."

Tours will take place on May 25 and each Wednesday in June, July and August.

Participants should meet at the Heritage Centre on Ribblehead Station at 10.25am for a two-hour tour, which will cross rough moorland, so stout footwear and warm and waterproof clothing are advised. Trains from Leeds arrive at 10.06am and trains from Carlisle at 10.17am.

There is an option to undertake an extended tour with a visit to Blea Moor Tunnel. This will also leave at 10.25am and participants should take a packed lunch.

Visit settle-carlisle.co.uk for more details.