A major disruption has occurred on the iconic Settle to Carlisle railway line, leaving passengers with a lengthy detour ahead. The cause? A collapsed retaining wall near Ribblehead Viaduct.
As of 4:15 PM on February 22, 2026, the line between Garsdale and Kirkby Stephen is blocked, with repairs and debris removal expected to take the rest of the day. This means trains cannot operate between Skipton and Appleby in either direction.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Northern services between Skipton and Morecambe/Lancaster remain unaffected, the closure has a ripple effect. Road transport will replace trains, but there's a catch: buses can't stop at Dent station, leaving passengers with a unique challenge.
For those heading to or from Dent, the advice is to speak to station staff or use the help point for alternative transport arrangements. It's a reminder of the importance of flexibility in travel plans.
Customers can still travel between Preston and Carlisle on TransPennine Express services without extra cost, with train connections towards Leeds available at Preston.
And this is the part most people miss... Bicycles, e-bikes, and non-service dogs are not permitted on replacement road transport, so plan accordingly!
Journey times could be extended by up to two hours, so pack some patience and a good book.
So, what do you think? Is this an overreaction to a minor incident, or a necessary precaution for safety? Let us know in the comments!
