Major accessibility upgrade completed at Yorkshire Three Peaks station
Passengers using Horton-in-Ribblesdale station can now benefit from step-free access to both platforms after Network Rail completed a major accessibility and safety upgrade.
The £7.2 million scheme has seen two new lifts and a new footbridge installed at the North Yorkshire station, which sits on the scenic Settle to Carlisle line.
The station is close to Pen-y-Ghent, one of the fells included in the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk, making it a popular stop for walkers and visitors to the Yorkshire Dales.
Previously, passengers and walkers had to cross the tracks using a foot crossing. Network Rail says the new bridge will make moving between platforms safer and easier for everyone.
The scheme was funded in part through the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, with £1 million coming from the programme’s mid-tier funding.
The new bridge also supports the rail connection for nearby Horton Quarry. Aggregate from the quarry can now be transported by rail, helping to remove lorries from local roads and reduce overall CO2 emissions.
Over the Easter period in 2025, the quarry was reconnected to the rail network, 60 years after the original link was severed in 1965.
Rory Kingdon, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s North West route, said: “The £7.2m investment to make Horton-in-Ribblesdale station accessible for all will make a huge difference to the local community and people visiting the scenic Yorkshire Dales national park, or embarking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.
“I’d like to thank passengers, residents and walkers for their patience during the work.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said the improvements would help more people travel independently.
He said: “We’re building a railway that works for everyone and these improvements at Horton-in-Ribblesdale station will mean more people can travel independently.
“Whether it’s commuting to work, accessing education, or visiting loved ones, everyone should be able to travel with confidence.
“With the support of Network Rail and local partners, our Access for All programme is delivering practical changes that make a real difference for passengers.”
Network Rail was joined by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, on Thursday 16 April 2026 to see the finished project.
He said: “The Three Peaks are world-class and draw in thousands every year, but the first hurdle of the challenge shouldn’t be at the station.
“As a key part of our White Rose Plan for Rail, we want every station in the region to be fully accessible, this new bridge at Horton-in-Ribblesdale is a major step forward.
“Improving safety, opening up the countryside, and taking lorries off the road, is ensuring this station serves our community and thousands of visitors for another 150 years.”
The station is managed by train operator Northern.
Kerry Peters, Northern’s director of stations, said: “We’re delighted this project has been completed, as providing step-free access makes a real difference to our customers.
“We’re hoping it will give more people the confidence to use Horton-in-Ribblesdale station, so they can enjoy journeys along one of the most scenic railway lines in Europe.
“We will continue to work with Network Rail to improve accessibility across our vast network and always welcome feedback from customers.”