• get involved •

Membership of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line

The Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line (FoSCL) has championed the preservation and enhancement of one of the UK’s most iconic railway routes since its establishment in 1981.

Originally formed to campaign against a proposal to close the route, FoSCL has gone from strength to strength acting as a user group to improve facilities and services for passengers, as a support group for the train operating companies and as the delivery agents for most of the events and activities that happen along the line.

We have over 2500 members across the country – some actively involved on a weekly basis and some enjoying the line from afar with occasional visits and the quarterly journal their membership offers. Become a member from as little as £10!

Download our membership leaflet here.

Friends’ membership benefits include:

Quarterly Magazine

‘Friends on Track’ is our quarterly journal featuring news of the line, available as traditional printed, or in digital format direct to your email

Rail Card Access

Members can purchase Dales Rail Cards irrespective of postcode (normally only available to those along the line) for discounted fares

10% Shop Discount

Shop ‘til you drop with 10% off all products in our shops at Settle and Appleby Stations, as well as our online shop using members discount code.

Eat & Drink for less

10% Discount on food and drink purchases at Ribblehead Station Cafe, Horton in Ribblesdale Station Cafe Bar and the On Train Trolley Service

Exclusive Discount on Accommodation

Take advantage of a 10% Discount on stays at any of the iconic station cottages at Dent, Horton, Kirkby Stephen and Ribblehead

All this, plus Free Guided walks throughout the year, opportunities to volunteer, additional extras for children and young people, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the future development of England’s most scenic railway.

membership types

Click on each membership type to find out more

Individual Membership Annual/Life

£20 annual / £300 lifetime

Available to all Adults, our individual membership includes all our member benefits, including social functions held at various times. Those who opt for Life Membership, receive a copy of a recently published book about the line plus a Free Dales Railcard for a year.

£25 annual / £400 lifetime

Available for two adults living at the same address. This membership includes all our member benefits, including social functions held at various times. Those who opt for Life Membership, receive a copy of a recently published book about the line plus a Free Dales Railcard for a year.

£30 annually

A family membership is available for a family of 2 adults and up to 2 children. This membership includes all our member benefits. Additional children may have membership purchased separately.

£15 annually

Available to all young people aged 18-25. New Student members will also receive a copy of Martin Pearson’s excellent book “The Building and Saving of a Great Railway”, to learn about the history of the line.

£10 first year, then just £1 annually thereafter

Available to all children under 18 years old. New Junior members will receive a Friends baseball cap or beanie hat and the subscription is only £1 in subsequent years! (*parents wishing to enrol younger members may email membership@settle-carlisle.com to choose an alternative gift e.g. colouring / sticker boo

£300 annually

If you are considering Corporate membership and would like to know more, please contact the Membership Secretary by email to discuss your requirements membership@settle-carlisle.com

Gift Memberships are available to celebrate birthdays or any special occasion. Why not buy a relative or friend Membership of The Friends as a gift?  

As a member you are helping support the fantastic work of the Friends. Together with our associate organisations, we support the scenic and historic railway line which runs from Settle Junction in the south to Carlisle in the north.

This includes a whole myriad of activities and initiatives including:

walking routes

Looking for walks you can adventure out on your own? We have a whole host of suggested routes to enjoy as you explore the area around the Settle-Carlisle Line.

guided walks

FREE guided walks for varying levels from stations on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle Line – no need for a car and no need to book – just meet us at the station!

on train guides

A dedicated team of on train guides travel with pre-booked groups describing the stunning scenery along the line along with all the wonderful facts & figures you always wanted to know about the Settle-Carlisle Railway.

explore more

Explore the landscapes and communities beyond the train track, finding things to do, places to visit, explore and discover along the Settle to Carlisle Railway.

Volunteer for the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line

Many FoSCL members have joined our growing band of volunteers to deliver a huge range of activities. Get on board!

Pledge your Support

If you are able to give more, we are always hugely grateful to recieve and all donations, which all help the work we do.