Hidden Secrets of Shipley Glen Tramway

Shipley Glen Tramway opened in 1895, it still operates to this day. Originally built to carry passengers up Baildon Moor from Saltaire village up to Shipley Glen. It is one of the oldest operating Funicular Tramways in the world. In this video, we go behind the scenes and into the engine rooms to see how it works. Including a full ride on this historic tramway.
VIDEO INFORMATION CREDITS & THANK YOU'S
The Volunteers at Shipley Glen Tramway
The Glen Tramway Preservation Society
Yorkshire Film Archive
Baildon Town Council
Bradford Council
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#adventureme #shipley #baildon #funicular #railway #tramway #shipleyglen #bradford #saltaire

[@Blind_Haze]

I love Shipley Glenn. Such a tragedy the fun fair and old dodgems have been demolished and replaced with disgusting new housing at the top though.

[@IRIICIK.]

This is the closest we will ever get to a Yorkshire time machine. Great video keep up the Adventures.

[@looneytune6955]

Brings back great memories for myself of a happy childhood. Being from Shipley I remember the tramway and the fairground rides at the top, the trips out to Shipley Glen and climbing down the rocks. I helped a mate of mine fit the big doors on the bottom shed a few years back. I'd urge anyone to go take a trip, it's a really lovely area of the county.

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

I've been to Crich Tramway Museum in Matlock many times and that is a fabulous running tram place but never heard of this one! Thanks for taking us on a journey to this tram place gem.

[@eileenwalton604]

This has brought back some happy memories. I remember going on the railway as a child in the 50s followed by a ride on the Aerial Glide at the top of the glen. I loved them both. Thank you Darren.

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Loved the airiel glide 😊

[@orange77_]

Brilliant video, and thank you for encouraging people to come and support the tram. Walk past it with my dog most days and its a fantastic asset to the area and a real piece of living Victorian history!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for sharing!

[@NeilofBeeston]

Thank you. Such super films of Shipley Glen. I have been many times with my parents. I have a photograph of my mother and her family taken in the early 1920s. I was told that it was taken on Shipley Glen. It would have been a great day out for them all going on the tram and with all the attractions. The photograph has them all in their Sunday best outfits.

[@stevedickens1335]

Back in the 60's a great family Sunday afternoon out was a trolley bus to Saltaire,tram up to the glen, enjoy the fairground and an ice cream then tram and trolley bus back home! Marvelous! BTW they usually do Santa trams in the run up to Christmas, so watch out for those!

[@wolvoman1]

In today's expensive times, i was pleasantly surprised that the fare price was so cheap, well worth a ride.

[@doctorsocrates4413]

Excellent vlog as usual darren...thank you kindly.

[@jozzy5322]

Loved the chair ride, was well scary when i was little!

[@davidnm21]

Never even heard of this place before Darren but what a fascinating little tramway it is. Just hope it’s able to receive the funds it needs to keep going.

[@philrob1978]

Never knew that was there! What a great example of this technology. Presumably you are also aware of the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno, uses the same system, but on a much grander scale.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes. Ridden it many times

[@chrisbogg9948]

Great video acting as a reminder of my childhood in the 60’s, used to be a regular visitor there. I remember the peacocks in the cafe on the glen.

[@Steve-ln3kl]

Brilliant, I remember going on this a lot as a young-un

[@TheDaflad]

Now 52yrs old this has just brought back some great childhood memories Thank you

[@deanturton8458]

I am from Barnsley and didn’t no this existed. Thanks for putting a film on KZbin about it. I am wanting to go and go on it now. Just been on there website and definitely going. Thanks 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jetsons101]

Nothing like the sound of ring and pinion gears grinding away, (2:17) Darren, to be honest, if I lived close to Shipley Glen, I would love to volunteer, I am a licensed mechanic. "No brakes on this one" Brakes??? Who needs brakes, brakes are for wimps.. LOL Thanks for your time, work and sharing what looked like a great day.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@havingalook2]

Loved it! I have had the good fortune to ride up and down. And I was only to happy to pay for this lovely bit of history and nostalgia. Well done for showing us the "behind the scene" bits. Always so informative.

[@waynesylvester4901]

I love all trams....and collect model trams....am a kid at heart.....i enjoyed this vid...watched it TWICE!! great effort my friend.

[@timdarnbrough3007]

Its been the victim of vandals and theives a few times. I remember not that long ago all the track was stolen, huge costs for a non funded attraction. I dont remember the fair, but have been on the tramway a few times. The santa specials at Xmas are great for the kids.

[@ernestbailey9194]

What a great place to visit. I didn't know anything about this tramway, & I am a Yorkshireman. Will definitely be going to see it. Hope a lot more go as well.

[@AdventureMe]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@roberthardy2013]

I used to help (?) with Maintenance there a few years ago, great bunch of guys,salt of the Earth ( that’s going to cost you a coffee John). I could still see my old grubby yellow coat hanging up. I am down in the Midlands now but still visit when we are up there, miss my Tuesdays?

[@benmarshall787]

Nice video Darren, lovely to support a local volunteer business. Look forward to the next one. Best wishes. Ben 🇬🇧🇺🇦🚌🚐

[@shirleysmith1713]

Good to see Darren, Never knew about this tram at Shipley Glenn. Love the history of it all. Hope the tram keeps going. Thanks for showing 👍🏻

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

8:19 The lovely spiral spokes of the return wheel at the bottom echoing those of the abandoned tram bed a little earlier. Pride in what you do, eh?

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Lovely little tram system. Great to hear volunteers running it .

[@barrieshepherd7694]

Never knew about this thanks for bringing it to our attention Darren. I'll put it on my bucket list! Was surprised that they ran the motor through a shaft and 90 degree gearbox. I have a lot of other questions about the mechanics so will have to go to the Interwebs to research.

[@swc43]

Never heard of this place Darren. Like you I live less than an hour away. Will definately give this place a visit

[@T77489]

I used to go up to the Glen on this tram as a child , the fairground was also magical and there was also a cafe that had outdoor seating and a peacock strutting around showing its plumage

[@harley883ap]

Have added it to my worth a visit list so next time I'm visiting Holmfirth I will visit

[@richardburton2726]

I called here today at 12.30pm..it was all locked up...brilliant video...

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah it's only weekends

[@andrewmatley7688]

love shipley glen so much to explore cheers,

[@barbarapearce3634]

Fascinating. I think I need to add this to my list of places to go.

[@SonOfAldabarran]

Hi Darren, I have recently found your channel & it's great to see another person with as much passion & enthusiasm for retracing old, long gone rail lines. It'd be really cool if you could do a video/videos about the old L&YR line from Preston to Southport. This, now long gone line, has always fascinated me & was unfortunately another victim of Beeching's butchery of our rail heritage! Love your Blackpool series of videos BTW as this is my hometown. You revealed things even I didn't know about & I thought I had a pretty good handle on Blackpool's history! Thanks again for your hard work in producing these video's for us to all enjoy a glimpse into an almost forgotten past! 🤩

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks. And welcome aboard

[@shirleylynch7529]

Another great wee film. So interesting. Would love a trip on the tram. Thanks for taking us to see this Darren. So interesting.

[@UKDroneAdventures]

I hadn’t been here for years, so decided to go (30th July, are you following me!?). I was amazed to see it still here but disappointed that the fairground had gone. Some great rocks to play on at the top though, and Robert park at the bottom with a nice pub for lunch. 😊

[@raccabird8889]

Cool history

[@StephWillburn77]

I love it when you behind the scenes videos 😊

[@nataliesmith303]

What a cute little ride. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@mkendallpk4321]

What a gem. Very much liked the behind the scenes looks at the workings of the tramway.

[@mcmarky1985]

Lovely little video!. Great that stuff like this is still here! Was absolutely gutted when the Wells Harbour Miniature Railway in Norfolk was removed a couple years back as that used to be a childhood favourite (and avoided the long walk to the beach from the town). Will definitely be visiting the tramway when I'm in the area and I've seen it's dog friendly so will bringing my 4 legged friend too! 🐕🐾

[@angelcoops511]

Wow that was very interesting. Thanks for showing this.

[@octopus680]

Thanks Darren for another enjoyable video and we are now going to vist soon so thank you we didn't know about it.

[@jeffdayman8183]

I wasn't aware of this tramway at all. Thanks for a great video of it. Best wishes to the operators to keep it going! Cheers Darren.

[@eliz9369]

Brilliant video, superbly filmed. Such a lovely place. Thank you for highlighting it AM.

[@rachelwalker7091]

Love the Shipley Glen tramway. Thanks for the video. It’s a great day out if you combine it with Saltaire heritage site.

[@hollimurray8856]

Interesting wee video 😊

[@garyflynn3762]

Great video I have put it on my list to visit this year. Awesome tramway, clever mechanics

[@litz13]

Some terminology for you ... the large wheel is called a bullwheel, and is essentially the same thing you'd see in mid-air on a ski lift. The brakes that grip the bullwheel are called service brakes. There should also be some peg-like devices that will drop down and mechanically stop the bullwheel in case of an overspeed or rollback. An absolutely awesome example of a victorian era funicular railway. :-)

[@rikkilamb]

Shipley Glen tramway is magical. A lovely happy place

[@caleblindley7142]

Great video, I been on this when I was a kid, can't believe fun fairs gone at the top.

[@thomaslister950]

Thanks Darren. I had wondered why both trams had been reduced to one car each. Great video.

[@AdventureMe]

No problem 👍

[@suesmith4366]

Very interesting I’ve never been, I knew of it though. Loved the fade ins, there looked to be a lot of people walking up too on the fade ins. Or are my eyes deceiving me lol. Thanks Darren 😎

[@simongee8928]

It's the simple systems that way outlast fancy technology - ! 😅 Grand to see that the tramway is still operating.

[@johnryan116]

I have 3 kids and like me when I was younger I have taken them up the tramway on numerous occasions, the bracken Hall centre beyond the housing at the top is great too excellent video as always Darren.

[@douglasthompson296]

Thanks Darren for delving into the mechanics of the Glen railway. Rode it many times as a kid on family outings to Shipley Glen in the 50's onwards. The fairground and tea rooms, with Peacocks, and scrambling in the crevices of the Glen rocks. I've mentioned before that it was popular to have groups walking over the moors from Shipley Glen to Ilkley on a bank holiday Monday (or Sunday) Simple pleasures in simplier times 😎 I wonder if anyone else remembers the moors walk. Anyways cheers DougT

[@fredbloggs8816]

Back on track (groan) Darren, great stuff!

[@badgerlandcouk]

Great video of an old-fashioned gem in the area. It would be a massive shame if this had to close, so please make sure you all take a trip or two on it while you can. It's an important heritage asset.

[@ChrisWilletts]

Great little video!! I absolutely loved taking my kids on the tram when they were younger.. it's great being able to let them experience the same thing I did when I was younger .. If I won the lottery Shipley Glen Tramway, would be at the top of my list for a sizable donation!!

[@darrenpalmer4094]

Great memories there,thought this had closed down.we will take our grandkids there.thanks for this darren.keep up the great work.❤

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephennesbitt6059]

Yes an amazing piece of engineering,myself and the wife enjoyed our ride on the tramway!Would recommend it as it is a cheap ride up/down.Called in the sweet shop too! Did not know there was a fairground near to the top!

[@newmotorcycleguy]

Cheers for that, i wanted to know more about this.

[@yorkie2789]

Great video, this brings back many memories. I remember the funfair at the top and am old enough to have ridden on the rides. Milner Field is just a short walk across the fields from the Glen and I went there manys times back in the late 70s, in those days if you were caught there you were escourted off the site but I only got caught once!

[@AdventureMe]

I'm old enough too. I did milner field last week

[@martinnaylor]

Great video Darren,i live in Saltaire and have ridden the tramway many times as a kid and now take my kids on it. Saltaire festival finale weekend coming up on 16th and 17th of September so hopefully it will be busy. As an engineer myself i would have loved to have a look behind the scenes of the mechanical side of the tramway.

[@christelbraune4530]

Einfach herrlich!! Mit einer ähnlichen Bahn (Tram) bin ich schon gefahren bei uns in Deutschland ( bei Köln, am Rhein). Ein sehr schönes Video 🤩🤩 Danke Darren 💝,👋👋👍

[@AdventureMe]

I'll have a go if I come to Germany

[@michaelmiller641]

I did enjoy that Darren, thanks. Too far from me to easily visit, but a curiosity none the less! Like its bigger cousin, the South London cable tramway from Streatham to Kennington.

[@brianscales9912]

Another great video Darren. Very professionally done as always! Keep up the good work mate. 👍🙂

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@richardhalliday6469]

Another great production Darren and you even managed to get in one of your trademark photo fades ! As I am local to the area I'm looking forward to your follow up video on the Glen. Lets hope more people remember to like and subscribe to your channel - you deserve it.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Richard

[@TheMoonchester]

THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEO I AM DEFO GOING TO TRY THAT

[@ronaldwilkin5662]

I came here in the 1998 when the original trams were here and went on to the fair rides but unfortunately all have gone and I think it has houses built on it all health and safety came into force

[@rikkilamb]

The owners of the fairground closed it and demolished the Aries ride event hough it was listed. They sold the site for houses to make money.

[@fatlad5090]

Great vid daz

[@a11csc]

deffo 1 to check out

[@tomgirldouble3249]

It's always further than I think! Used to cycle up there every Sunday to work at Bracken Hall countryside centre is that still going? Remember the fair from my childhood, swing boats & my favourite the aerial chair, think it was diminished a bit by time I went there in the 50's or 60's though. Great video as always, love seeing my home turf on here 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Videos on that coming on Sunday

[@russellwaite5874]

I remember it well, fairground as well. It's a pity the lottery people can't do something. It's history ! Hope it never goes the same way the miniature railway at Kirkstall went. ( that used to run alongside where the new retail place is not far from Kirkstall abbey ) .

[@snowmanbuzzfm]

Hey Darren. Top video and story my man! I tried and failed I might add...many years ago...to buy one of the abandoned dodgem cars from Shipley Glen. It was all a bit mad at the time. I found an email address for a man who I thought owned the dodgems who emailed back to say he didn't but he thought he knew a man who did. He then emailed him and he said no I don't own them but I know the lady that does...but she does not have the internet lol. A few emails were passed back and forth but sadly the rescue mission failed. On the flip side...I did eventually get a dodgem from some fair lads in Pontifract...so it did keep it Yorkshire I guess lol

[@AdventureMe]

Very interesting. Thanks. I'm covering the dodgems next week.

[@Brippy]

I remember a funfair at the top of the tramway, especially the swing boats for two people operated by pulling on ropes. They used to swing over a pretty high drop, very exciting as kids. Can’t find any mention of this funfair although perhaps the dodgems that you have recalled were at the top of it ?

[@AdventureMe]

The dodgems were separate to the funfair

[@robparker1625]

Travelled on this a kid. Took my kids on it too.

[@paulrobinson373]

Putting the Fun into Funicular railway 👍🏻 Hope you got the Flying Scotsman in Leeds today?

[@johnjones5754]

Great vid as is the norm from u daz. Was goning to ask about cable snapping proceedure ect. But u delt with that. And u had some cool mates as a kid. Do u still keep in touch with them? Take care bro👍👍

[@AdventureMe]

I don't anymore no

[@nowt2957]

I honestly thought that this closed when the Glen attractions did, if not before. Good to see it still going - might have to make my way over there some day. Isn't there a mosaic from Salt's old house or something nearby?

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah. I've done a video on it last week

[@AmusementAndAdventure]

Nice one Darren, great video insight into this hidden treasure. Did I hear a Rollercoaster used to be at the top as part of the attractions ? I will have to do some research or is that what you have in store in the next video 😉🎢👍 Keep up the good work.

[@AdventureMe]

Coming up soon

[@ohwiseowl9163]

Wow that building at top of tram looks modern now , when did that happen

[@bradfordmickey]

Check operating hours , usually only works on Sundays plus bank holidays

[@waynecheshire7878]

So nice to see you revisiting your old childhood memories I’ve never heard of this place but glad there’s more to come from Shipley glen 🚋

[@josephthompson1318]

They have a small loosw table that if main one snaps the breakes come on as on cable lifts.

[@andrewnbrown]

I heard that there was a menagerie at the top at one point with bears and lions and other animals. Not sure if is true.

[@johncrwarner]

Didn't you explore this area with Martin Zero a few years ago. I remember Shipley Glen Tramway in the sixties when I was a very small boy.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes I did. But only showed it closed.

[@gregmilner100]

My auntie and uncle, mick and Maureen Leak looked after that place for years, in 80s, 90s and early 2000s

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah I knew Mick.

[@gregmilner100]

​@@AdventureMethey've retired to Ireland, they enjoyed watching this, think mick would of liked more mechanical footage lol they both enjoyed it though, thanks for another great episode!

[@andrewoldroyd6490]

He's only gone and done it. I'll watch it later on big screen

[@RobinHullBuilds]

Hi Darren How does this compare to the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno? Are the cars permanently attached to the cable, or are they like the San Francisco system where the brakeman pulls a lever which grips the cable? Great fun!

[@AdventureMe]

They are permanently attached

[@xr6lad]

Mum would go on that as a young girl in the 1950’s. She’s 78 now.

[@pras12100]

Nice video. What confuses me is why they need two tracks (except near the halfway point)? It seems to me that a single track splitting into two near the halfway point (to allow the trains to pass) and then converging again would reduce maintenance. At the crossover the wagons/cars/carriages would either always go to the right if they were attached to the right hand cable or to the left otherwise. Just a thought.

[@rikkilamb]

It's just operated as it was built, the car going up helps the car going down.

[@phil69881]

Points/switches are more expensive to produce and maintain than plain track, especially when your gauge is a non-standard one (20"), because you can't just buy them off the shelf like you can with 2' gauge. I know this too well, because the SNBR is 20" gauge and we have to make all our own points. Most funicular railways (and similar types) tend to use separate tracks for each vehicle, for safety and ease of maintenance, whilst some do share a common rail and then diverge at a passing point, usually these are done in areas of restricted space. *also, I believe when the Tramway last relaid their track, they used old rails from the SNBR.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

And if there is any slack in the system - crunch! (Not that there is likely to be any slack, but the best laid plans of mice and men, gang aft agley!)

[@roberthardy2013]

It’s a simple system that has worked for lots of years. As for maintenance that is mainly rollers and sleepers, LOTS of sleepers!

[@TheLookOf]

I wonder, now that the fair seems to be gone, does the tramway actually connect a begin with a destination..., or is it a fun ride only...?

[@AdventureMe]

Well it still connects to the glen and the top of baildon moor which is still popular

[@TheCoopsvids]

Is the pub still up the top mate

[@AdventureMe]

It is yeah

[@anthony2806]

?why is one of the wheels that turns the cable on tracks?

[@AdventureMe]

I dunno

[@Pooky-Cat]

0:42 I don't think Saltaire was "a very popular attraction" when the tramway was built lol 😂

[@AdventureMe]

It was a population though

[@heartland96a]

Did they tell you how many years they get on the cable between replacement

[@AdventureMe]

I'm sure he said 10 or 15 years

[@heartland96a]

@@AdventureMe thanks for the information

[@minisareus]

What about volks electric railway Brighton

[@AdventureMe]

What about it?

[@josephthompson1318]

Sell online