SideTracked - Guiseley
This short multi belongs to the SideTracked series. See here for more information.
The cache, a camo-taped 35mm film pot, is hidden a short distance from the station, and can be completed within 20 minutes. Free parking for 2 hours is available @ or near N 53 52.520 W 1 42.795 on Netherfield Road.
Hiding of the cache became possible with the 29/6/23 archiving of Eeee Bi Gum and Er Indoors cache GC1G2PA Sidetracked - The Wharfedale Line - Guiseley which was hidden on 7/9/08 and recorded an impressive 295 finds during its nearly 15 year lifespan.
To Find the Cache:
Step 1: After parking your car, walk along the road to the access footpath for the station @ N 53 52.566 W 1 42.848. Head down the path onto Platform 2 (trains to Leeds/Bradford Forster Sq) and turn left continuing along the platform to the shelter towards the southern end.
Sitting in/standing by the seat at the right-hand (north) end of the shelter, look across the rails at the Datum Plate which records the precise position of the nearest rail.
On this you will note that, the bottom figure, representing the cant (difference in height of the outside rail from the inside one) of the rails in mm = A
You will also note that there are B pipes exiting the platform wall next to the plate.
Step 2: Return down the platform and continue past the waiting room to N 53 52.571 W 1 42.911 where you will note an old white railway mile post with numbers indicating the distance from London in miles and fractions of mile. The large number on the top of the post is 20C where C is the value required.
Step 3: Continue to the end of the platform where you will see that the date of establishment of the business in the stone building beyond was 183D. This is the only remaining working textile mill in Aireborough.
The nearby signal is numbered L3E43, where E is the figure required.
Now, look across the lines to the old stone building opposite, which has F arched windows, each with multiple panes of glass.
Step 4: Retrace your steps and cross over the footbridge to Platform 1 (trains to Ilkley). As you reach the foot of the steps, at about chest height on the wall to your left, you will see an oval metal plate with 2 sets of information.
The lower one is the Engineers Line Reference (ELR) identifying this line as ILK 1, which is officially called APPERLEY JN - BURLEY (FORMER JN) (ILKLEY BRANCH).
The upper one is the bridge identification number for this line - in this case 1GA, where G is the value required.
Step 4: head down the platform to the entrance, where on the left you will see a bicycle shelter with H metal bicycle stands to which bikes can be locked.
The cache is hidden nearby at:
N 53 52.(E-F)(G -1)(H-1) W 1 42.(B+D)A(C-1)
Guiseley railway station, has played a vital role in connecting the Aireborough area with Leeds, Bradford, and beyond. Since its opening in the 19th century, the station has undergone significant changes reflecting the wider evolution of Britain’s railways. Its story charts the transformation from the heyday of Victorian railway expansion, through the rationalisation of the mid-20th century, to the modern commuter network serving thousands daily.
Early Origins (1860s–1870s)
- 1865 – Parliamentary approval was granted for the Otley and Ilkley Joint Railway (O&IJR), a partnership between the North Eastern Railway (NER) and the Midland Railway. Its purpose was to connect Leeds and Bradford with the Wharfe Valley towns, including Guiseley.
- 1865–1867 – Construction of the line, overcoming challenges of steep gradients and cuttings through the rugged Yorkshire landscape.
- 1 August 1867 –station officially opened. At first, it had simple platforms, a modest booking office, and goods facilities for local mills and quarries.
It quickly became essential to the local textile industry. Guiseley was a centre for woollen manufacturing, and the new railway enabled rapid distribution of cloth to Leeds, Bradford, and beyond.
Growth and Development (1880s–1930s)
- 1880s – Passenger numbers rose steadily as Guiseley developed as a commuter town. Many residents began travelling daily to Leeds and Bradford for work.
- 1894 – Improvements made to station facilities, including waiting rooms, canopies, and expanded sidings for goods traffic.
- Early 1900s – The station became an interchange for those heading towards Otley, Ilkley, and the Wharfedale valley.
- 1923 – With the Railways Act 1921, the station came under the ownership of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER).
The station thrived in the interwar years, with frequent services and busy goods yards supplying coal, textiles, and building stone.
Wartime and Nationalisation (1940s–1950s)
- 1939–1945 – During the WW2, the station played a part in transporting troops and supplies. Passenger demand remained high, as private motoring was limited.
- 1948 – With the creation of British Railways, Guiseley became part of the nationalised network under the North Eastern Region.
Despite nationalisation, the station began to face challenges with growing road transport and the gradual decline of freight traffic.
Decline and Closures (1960s–1970s)
- 1963 – The infamous Beeching Report recommended widespread closures of unprofitable lines.
- 1965 – Passenger services on the line between Guiseley and Otley were withdrawn. This severed Guiseley’s link to Otley, marking the start of a contraction of services.
- 1970 – Freight facilities were closed at Guiseley, ending over a century of goods operations.
The station survived the worst of the Beeching cuts, but facilities deteriorated, and services were reduced.
Revival and Modernisation (1980s–2000s)
- 1980s – Passenger demand revived as commuting into Leeds and Bradford grew. West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (WYPTE) supported investment in the Wharfedale Line.
- 1993 – Since the privatisation of British Rail, services at Guiseley have been operated by various franchises.
- 1995 – The line is electrified, the old iron Midland Railway footbridge having been removed in 1992 in preparation for this.
- 2002 – Major station improvements including a new ticket office, car park extensions, and improved accessibility.
By the turn of the century, Guiseley had once again become a thriving commuter hub.
Recent Developments: 2010s–Present
- 2011 –Station fitted with modern passenger information screens, improved lighting, and CCTV.
- 2018 – Services incorporated into the new franchise. Despite timetable disruptions, it retained frequent trains to Leeds, Bradford, and Ilkley.
- 2020s – The station continues to play a central role in Aireborough’s transport network. Upgrades in rolling stock, with electric Class 333 and diesel Class 331 trains, ensure faster and more reliable journeys.
