Newton Dale Halt

Newtondale Halt was opened in 1981 to enable visitors to explore this remote part of Newtondale. It was a joint project involving the Railway and the National Park Authority the Countryside Commission and the Forestry Commission. A series of waymarked walks and paths go through the forest, some leading to spectacular viewpoints from the high cliffs.  The forests of Newtondale are new In 1929 the hillsides were bare, open sheep pasture when the first Spruce and Fir trees were planted here as part of a national campaign to make Britain self- sufficient in timber production. Much of this first crop has now been felled the trunks of many of the huge Douglas Firs weighing over a tonne, As part of the Forestry Commission's plans for Newtondale, great emphasis is now placed on conservation, Different types of trees are planted and near the railway several wildlife areas have been created.

Newton Dale Forest

Newtondale Well lies just below the cliffs and was once famed for its mineral waters. The trace of buildings and large stone tanks are all that can be seen today. but 300 years ago many people came here to take the waters. On Midsummer's Day young people came to join in what their eIders considered to be somewhat dubious festivities. Last century the potential of the mineral waters was considered so great that a large area of Newtondale was offered for sale with the ideal that it be developed as an inland spa to rival Buxton and Harrogate.

Try a high definition map of the area From Multimap

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