Long distance ramblers who take to the Hadrian’s Wall between Carlisle and Newcastle will be cited as the main reason for reopening a remote railway station in the Northumberland village of Gilsland.

Transport consultant JMP has been asked by the Tyne Valley Rail Users Group to assess the potential for reopening the station which closed to passengers in 1967. But rather than focus on the station’s ability to serve the local population or reduce traffic congestion the consultant will concentrate on its ability to serve tourists who visit the World Heritage site.

“Gilsland is right slap bang in the middle of Hadrian’s Wall and we are keen to promote the railway for walkers who may want to start at one place and pick it up elsewhere,” said the rail user group’s chairman Malcolm Chainey. “We looked at reopening the station twice before but the size of the local population did not justify it.”

JMP director Alan Beswick added: “Our initial site visit has suggested that reopening of the station will not be massively difficult but the primary challenge will be establishing access from one side of the tracks to the other.”

Local MP Guy Opperman who represents the constituency of Hexham is a keen supporter of reopening Gilsland rail station. He said on his blog: “There is a case to be made not least because there have been persistent problems with buses in the area and the tourism businesses which I know well would be very pleased. Anyone who walks the Hadrian’s Wall would in particular be delighted.”

Senior policy officer Eugene Suggett of the Ramblers walking charity said: “We support public transport initiatives and the use of sustainable transport. Plans to reopen this railway station should benefit access to the magnificent walking opportunities along the Hadrian’s Wall path and other rights of way in the area.”

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