Mount Zion Chapel, Garsdale Head

Mount Zion Chapel at Garsdale Head opened in 1876, the same year the Settle-Carlisle railway began carrying passengers. Remarkably, it was built by the railway contractors Groves and Woodiwiss, and Reuben Alton laid the foundation stone on the very day of the first passenger train. The chapel is painted in Midland Railway colours of maroon and cream, and is thought to be the only place of worship in the country built by railway contractors. From its windows there are views of Garsdale Station and the Dandrymire Viaduct, and the extension won an award from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. A traditional annual walk into neighbouring Grisedale is organised from Mount Zion, usually in July or August, followed by tea back at the chapel - a lovely way to explore the dale in company and hear local stories along the way.