Lancaster to Oxenholme

Our journey heads north on the former Lancaster and Carlisle Railway (L&CR). The scheme was authorised in 1844 and, at its peak, 10,000 workers were involved in its construction. Completion was achieved in only two and a half years, an incredible achievement. In 1846 the 20-mile section from Lancaster to Oxenholme was opened and the branch to Windermere completed less than a year later. A line from Hest Bank with access to Morecambe Harbour opened in 1864 for the export of minerals; a business that did not materialise. Not to be put off, the LNWR opened the south curve from Bare Lane to the West Coast Main Line in 1888, thereby taking full advantage of the ever-increasing holiday and excursion traffic. Today, the resort is served by the former LNWR branch. Included within are many maps and photographs covering the area’s fascinating history over many decades.