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Written by Mark Bearton - 08 Nov 2004
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Location notes
Ais Gill is at the summit of the Settle and Carlisle line between Garsdale and Kirby Stephen.
Railway type and traffic
The Settle and Carlisle has a roughly two-hourly local service and in between run freight trains, mainly anglo-scottish coal and gypsum to/from Newbiggin. The line is also used as a diversionary route for the West Coast Main Line and sees regular railtours.
Environment
Being one of the highest points of any railway in England it is naturally quite open and at times windswept. Warm clothes and some form of shelter is essential at any time of year as sunshine can turn to Blizzards and rain in a matter of minutes.
Road directions
From the M6, Junction 37:
Take the A684 east through Sedbergh towards Hawes. After passing under the railway north of Garsdale station turn first left at the Moorcock pub onto the B6259 towards Kirby Stephen. The road runs parallel to the railway, passing underneath it after about 2 miles. A further mile or two brings the road over the railway just north of Ais Gill. This road can also be reached from the north from Kirby Stephen which is on the A685 linking Junction 38 of the M6 to the A66 at Brough between Penrith and Scotch Corner.

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Ais Gill map co-ordinates
Parking
There is parking by the side of the road before the bridge.
Public transport
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Amenities
There are no amenities in the area, the nearest toilet being at Garsdale station (5/6 miles), the nearest pub the Moorcock (3/4 miles) or shops in Kirby Stephen (8/9 miles).
Accommodation
The Moorcock Public House does have Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Ais Gill

Googly map
Streetmap links
Ais Gill general view map
Ais Gill close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Ais Gill



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Photographic notes
Light is best here in the afternoon for southbound trains. These can be seen approaching along the valley giving a few minutes warning. Photos can be taken at the bridge though the field to the left is better. Northbound trains can be taken from the verge of the road by the bridge.


General views - All photographs © Mark Bearton unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north

From the field

Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 2 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking north - Image © Richard Tearle


Fig 3 - Looking north - <i>Image © Richard Tearle</i>


Location Video





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