The Railway
Ormside Education Centre occupies a former Railway Station on the Settle to Carlisle line, which was an engineering triumph when it opened in 1876. Its 72 miles of track comprises of 20 viaducts, 20 stations & 14 tunnels, strategically engineered to follow the natural pathways through the hills of the Pennines. It is arguably the most scenic railway line in England.
Ormside is within a 5 minute drive of Appleby, which is also home to the nearest railway station which still operates daily services including regular visits by steam trains.
Despite being an iconic British Railway, the Settle to Carlisle line has had a turbulent history. Ormside Station was one of the first to be closed to passengers on 2nd July 1952. Despite its difficulties, the railway has stood the test of time.
Ruffwood School
Our link to the lakes
Around a decade after the stations closure in the 1950's, Ruffwood School in Knowsley began renting the building to provide short residential trips for pupils.
Two decades later, a successful fundraising campaign run by the parent teacher association raised around £30,000.00 & enabled the school to purchase the property. The centre was later offered to other schools in the Knowsley area & eventually to schools & community groups from further afield. Over the years thousands of children visited the facility & took part in a variety of activities. Ormside became a well-known name in Knowsley & an integral part of life at Ruffwood School.
Several factors resulted in the closure of the centre. In 2001 the 'Foot & Mouth' outbreak brought increased concerns for health & safety & in turn, a significant decline in bookings. This was followed by the decision to close Ruffwood School in 2008 as part of Knowsleys 'Building Schools for a Future' programme where 11 schools were ultimately replaced by 7 learning centres.
Ormside Education Centre
Revival began in 2010 when Barry Gilfoyle Treasurer & Trustee of 'Friends of Ruffwood PTA' approached Knowsley Enterprise Academy with the view of restoring Ormside Education Centre. Following this - thanks to volunteer support & donations, the station building & adjoining games room were fully refurbished & refitted with new furniture & facilities.
Ormside Education Centre was officially re-opened on 17th July 2007 by the Mayor of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Andrew Connell - ensuring that future generations of young people are now given the opportunity to experience outdoor education within the glorious Eden Valley.
This was only made possible by a number of organisations who kindly donated their time & resources;
Knowsley Enterprise Academy, Jewson Building Supplies, Kevin & Sue Kenny, Fred Lloyd, Gary Murphy, Your Travel Borough Wide, Milton Jewellers, Kelleher Utility Solutions & Knowsley Development Trust.
Appleby-in-Westmorland
During the 9th century, Viking settlers arrived in the Eden Valley and established the first homestead in Appleby - Norse for ‘place with apple trees.'
Appleby is overlooked by Appleby Castle, a predominantly Norman structure, The Normans recognised the advantages of overlooking an important river crossing at Appleby and built the defensive stone keep of Appleby Castle on a high vantage point - one of England's remaining motte-and-bailey castles.
Appleby Castle was taken over by the Clifford family in the 13th century who held it for the next 400 years. It provided the home for Lady Anne Clifford in the 17th Century. The last member of one of England’s great medieval dynasties, Lady Anne Clifford became something of a legend in her own lifetime, and has remained a celebrated figure in the history of northern England ever since.
Appleby Castle is in private ownership and we enjoy the privilege of being allowed to visit and receive bespoke guided tours for our groups, which was informative and may form part of history lessons which schools wish to deliver.