Saltburn Cliff Railway

In a nutshell

Gauge:         4' 8½" (so not strictly narrow gauge - but deserves an honorary mention)

Length:      207'

Opened:     1884 (previously 1870 - 1883)

Location:   

Lower Promenade
Saltburn
TS12 1HQ 

Web:      http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/accommodation.nsf/TouristList/F6737A1C45441CC7802579CF00558787?OpenDocument

Tel: 01287 622528 

Date of visit:     23 July 2017

Key Facts

• It is the oldest operating water-balance funicular cliff railwayin the United Kingdom
• It was first built in 1870, shortly after the Stockton and Darlington Railway (the first passenger carrying railway in the world) reached Saltburn
• It was rebuilt in its present form in 1884
• It is a water-balanced funicular railway, which means that each passenger car has a large water tank beneath the passenger compartment. When a car reaches the top of the lift, water is poured into the tank. The weight of the water counterbalances the weight of the other car which is connected to the first car with a cable. When the car reaches the bottom of the lift, the water is released from the tank and the process is repeated.
• The cars carry up to 12 passengers
• Their water tanks each hold 240 gallons (1100 litres)
• The water released at the bottom of the lift held in a large reservoir tank and the water is pumped back up to another reservoir tank at the top of the lift.
• The lift was refurbished in 1955, 1979, 1991, 2014 and 2018.

Route

 

My Impressions

Having visited Saltburn to photograph and ride on the Saltburn Miniature Railway, I felt I must travel on the Cliff Lift which is only a short walk from the railway. Although the lift is not narrow gauge, I felt its history and status warranted inclusion on my blog - a sort of honorary narrow gauge railway.

After watching the cars rise and descend a couple of times ......

... we paid our fare at the ticket booth at the base of the lift and made our way into the carriage.

The first thing which caught our attention was the stained glass windows which had been reinstated when the lift was refurbished in 1991.

Within a few minutes our carriage filled with passengers and the doors were closed by the attendant.
Very gently, the carriage made its way up the track, passing the descending car at the half-way point.

We then reached the booth at the top of the lift, passing beside the water-filling mechanism.

We watched the attendant at the upper booth going about the business of operating the water filling machinery and braking system as the cars ascended and descended.

Finding the whole process fascinating.

Although the cost per mile of the ticket is probably quite substantial, we felt it was well worth the modest outlay to help ensure that the lift is kept operational in its original condition. The staff are clearly very proud of this piece of Victorian technology and were willing to knowledgeably discuss its maintenance and operation.

Video

Southend Cliff Lift

In a nutshell

Gauge:          4' 6"

Length:        130' (40m)

Opened:       1912 (replacing moving walkway opened in 1901)

Location:    

View Narrow Gauge Railways in a larger map  

Web:      http://www.southend.gov.uk/info/733/local_attractions/1284/cliff_lift/2

Email:   council@southend.gov.uk

Date of visit:     9 September 2013

Key Facts

• The cliff railway or 'cliff lift' takes passengers vertically 57' (17m) from the Western Esplanade to the Cliffton Terrace rising at gradient of 43.4% (1:2 or 26 degrees)
• It is a funicular railway, being operated by a cable attached to a counterbalance weight which lowers as the passenger car rises.
• The passenger car can hold up to 18 passengers
• It is fairly unique in design as the tracks run on steel girders mounted in parallel with the cliff face
• The lift has been renovated four times, in 1930, 1959, 1990 and more recently in 2010 (at a cost of £3m)
• The lift was built originally by Waygood & Co. which is now part of of the Otis Elevator Company
• The journey costs £1.00 (50p concessions).
• The lift operates daily from May to September and at weekends between October and April.

Route

 

My Impressions

The railway is in a commanding position, a short walk from Southend Pier. As it has been recently refurbished (in 2010) through a Lottery Grant, it is in very good condition.

The passenger car was at the summit when I reached the lower station, but after pressing the button (as one would do to summon a lift) it began its descent.

Access to the lift is well considered for wheelchair users. The lift is operated by an attendant, who informed me that I was his first passenger of the day (it was now 3:00pm), which seems a great pity as the fare is not particularly large and the experience of riding in such an interesting piece of technology is well worth it.

Perhaps the lift would get more custom if it was closer to the pier or at the end of the main street in Southend. However, as it has been on the site for over 110 years it's probably too late to move it now.

The ride was very smooth and, despite the weather, there was a good view along the sea front as we reached the summit. 

The architecture retains its Edwardian elegance and the refurbishment has done a great deal to enhance its appearance.

Possibly not as exhilarating as a ride on a roller coaster, but to lend support for the continuation of a piece of our transport heritage, £1.00 does seem a small price to pay.

Video

[In preparation]