Open Country - Settle to Carlisle Railway

Matt Baker visits one of the most beautiful yet hard to build railway lines in the country, from Settle to Carlisle. It was completed in 1876, and over the five years it took to build, hundreds of men, women and children died in the navvy camps set up along its path. Today it stands as a monument to their work and tragic deaths but 20 years ago it could easily have closed. A vigorous campaign was set up to save the line and today the numbers who use what is known as England's most scenic railway route are increasing. Matt discovers the history of the line and why it remains so vital for the rural communities it links.