WHEN it opened in May, 1836, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway was an important trade link between Pickering and Whitby.

The 24-mile stretch of line was one of the earliest railways in the North, and thrived for a century. In the 1950s traffic began to dwindle, and by 1965 the line had operated its last passenger service.

But interest lived on in the railway, and a campaign was launched to re-open it across the moor. Thanks to fundraising and support from the local authority, supporters managed to get the line re-opened in stages and on May 24, 1975 it was once again operating between Pickering and Grosmont. An extension to Whitby soon followed, and today the NYMR is one of the country’s greatest heritage railway experiences, operating steam and diesel locomotives over 100 days a year.

We had intended to travel along the line to Whitby but, arriving at Pickering station just minutes before the train left, it wasn’t until we were on it that we realised it didn’t actually go as far as the coast. Note to self: check the timetable before setting off.

The line runs through the North York Moors National Park and on to the mainline to Whitby, with stops at Levisham (a 1912-themed station with its own artist-in-residence), Newtondale, Goathland and Grosmont, then Whitby, but not all trains go the whole journey.

Not to worry. We decided to change at Goathland instead, and sat back to enjoy the journey. There’s surely no more relaxing way to experience some of Yorkshire’s most scenic landscapes than in a cosy wood-panelled carriage in a vintage locomotive. It was a shame there were no refreshments served, as a cup of tea would have gone down a treat, but it was lovely to gaze out of the window, soaking up the greenery of wooded valleys as the train rumbled on.

Goathland station was buzzing with visitors, including a German family who seemed very excited to be there. That probably had more to do with the station appearing in the first Harry Potter film, as Hogsmeade, than its Aidensfield associations.

Goathland is, of course, Heartbeat Country. The village, just a short walk from the station, was where much of the popular drama was filmed over a 20-year period, (the Sixties lasted quite a while in Aidensfield), and it continues to attract tourists. Filming also took place in and around the railway. We had lunch at the Aidensfield Arms, then wandered across the road to Scripps Garage where you can buy Heartbeat tea-towels, fridge magnets, coasters, calendars...

I half expected to see Greengrass outside, trying to rope Bernie Scripps into his latest get-rich-quick scheme. I thought of my late dad, an avid Heartbeat-watcher, and wished he could have been there with us.

From Goathland you can take a walk along the Rail Trail to Grosmont or to the Mallyan Spout Waterfall. With rain starting to fall, we wandered back to the station, where a range of vintage cars was on display, including a fabulous pink Cadillac. We enjoyed cream scones in the tea-room, a converted goods shed, where we sat in an open wagon, No.3697, built in 1905 and used for many years to carry coal from Yorkshire to Hull docks, with timber and general cargo carried on the return journey.

By this time it was mid-afternoon and too late for a day trip to Whitby, so we got a train back to Pickering station, where we noticed there was a model railway exhibition - it was quite a day for enthusiasts, with specialist rail magazines and model locomotives for sale on stalls set up on the platform. I was delighted to see a model of Goathland station, complete with miniature people on the platform and heading up the hill towards the village, following the route we’d taken that day.

Pickering station (full-size) is a delightful 1930s-themed place where you feel you’ve stepped back to the steam era. We wandered around the historic market town, which has a 13th century castle, a variety of independent shops and a flea market.

With various family events taking place at weekends along the line all summer and leading up to Christmas, the NYMR is a lovely way to get out and about..

*The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs between Pickering and Whitby, and the total journey is around an hour-and-a-half.

Seats can be reserved in advance for groups of 20 or more. Bicycles can be carried in the Guards Van, if room, and dogs are welcome on all trains except dining trains, and not in first class.

Wheelchair access is directly into the Guards Van via a ramp.

* Call 01751 472508, email info@nymr.co.uk or visit nymr.co.uk