steam train trips over ribblehead viaduct

THE RIBBLEHEAD RAMBLER

Join us for Tornado' s first main line railtour since overhaul as we venture across the beautifully rugged Settle and Carlisle Railway on this superb steam train excursion from the East Midlands and Yorkshire. 

SATURDAY 31st AUGUST

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East Midlands Parkway

Chesterfield

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The Settle and Carlisle Railway

Join us for a steam train excursion across the iconic Settle and Carlisle Railway.  Eminent railway engineers of the age proclaimed that it would be impossible to build a main line railway through this hostile terrain. Building the Settle & Carlisle almost broke the Midland Railway but determination was rewarded with a magnificent double-track main line railway sweeping through the hills. Passengers will enjoy breath-taking scenery as the landscape becomes more wild and beautiful as the train steams north, through tunnels and across viaducts to reach Carlisle. Come along and enjoy the experience of No. 60163 Tornado climbing to Blea Moor and Ais Gill summits once again!

Your Journey

Starting in Leicester, and pausing for passengers at East Midlands Parkway, Chesterfield, Doncaster and Leeds, the train leaves the bustle of towns beind as it heads northwest towards the border town of Carlisle. 

From Skipton, the Settle and Carlisle Railway awaits, famed for its beauty within the rolling landscape of the Dales and North Pennines. This stretch of railway demonstrates the skill and determination of Victorian civil engineering prowess in challenging and inhospitable terrain. Highlights of the journey include Tornado hard at work to complete the climb to Ais Gill summit, the highest point of the line at 1,169ft, and Dent Station is the highest in England at 1150ft. To accommodate for the rolling landscape, the railway was built along many viaducts and cuts through long tunnels, the longest tunnel at Blea Moor is over two miles long! One of the most iconic sights on the route is the Ribblehead Viaduct; the 24 arches stretch a quarter of a mile over 100ft above the ground and offer spectacular uninterrupted views of the landscape. 

The northern most section of the Settle and Carlisle Railway takes us through The Eden Valley. This is one of the most picturesque sections of the route with wooded valleys and open vistas following the course of the River Eden. Passengers can enjoy travelling through the lush green landscape and the views of the Lakeland Fells.

'The Ribblehead Rambler' returns via its outward route, crossing the Settle and Carlisle line in both directions. Much is said of the beauty and scale of this railway, but to fully appreciate it, it must be experienced first-hand!

Carlisle is England’s biggest city by area and is the county town of Cumbria. The city sits on the doorstep of both the Lakes and Hadrian’s Wall and blends 2000 years of human occupation with everything you would expect from a vibrant 21st century city.

The Cathedral is within a few minutes’ walk of the spacious pedestrianised Greenmarket – a focal point for street entertainment and Farmers’ Markets. Nearby, the formidable fortress of Carlisle Castle stands proud over the cityscape.

Overlying this rich heritage is a vibrant town centre of modern shops, pavement cafes and leisure facilities, that rivals most other cities in the north of England. 

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60163 TORNADO

2007 PRINCE OF WALES

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The Man in Seat 61

England's most scenic rail line

Settle & carlisle railway.

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The Settle & Carlisle railway is England's most scenic rail route, a set of shining silver rails from Leeds to Carlisle through the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  It was once the third main line to Scotland, built by the Midland Railway to carry its daytime & sleeper expresses from London to Glasgow & Edinburgh.  It was never as fast as the rival east coast & west coast main lines, British Rail steadily ran the line down in the late 1970s and tried to close it in the 1980s.  Saved from closure in 1989 after a long and determined campaign, it has since gone from strength to strength and is now a tourist attraction in its own right.  This page tells you how to visit & what to see.

A journey on the Settle & Carlisle

The journey begins in Leeds, Britain's fourth largest city.  The Leeds-Carlisle trains travel through Shipley, Keighley, Skipton & Hellifield, then join the Settle & Carlisle railway at Settle Junction. Below, we pick up the journey at Settle, a market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales where the serious scenery begins.  See route map .

Ribblehead station , south of the viaduct.  Stop off to see the viaduct, visitor centre & for a beer or lunch at the Station Inn, see the Ribblehead section .

Dent station , looking south from the road up Dent Fell.  It's the highest National Rail station in England at 1,150 feet (350m) above sea level and over 4½ miles from Dent village.  Get off at Dent for a bracing 9.2 mile 4½ hour walk to Ribblehead.  For more about this walk, see the How to Visit section .  You can rent Dent station as holiday accommodation, www.dentstation.co.uk .

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How to visit

If you simply want to ride the Settle & Carlisle line

The simplest option is to take a train from Leeds to Carlisle.  You can do this as a day trip from Leeds or a day trip from Carlisle, or as a longer day trip from further afield, even from London.

You can travel at any time of year.  The line is at its best in summer, but also beautiful in winter snows.

If you're travelling between London & Scotland

You can travel between London and Carlisle, Glasgow or Edinburgh via the Settle & Carlisle railway.  It's slower and involves a change or two, but it's a scenic alternative to the usual east & west coast routes.

London Kings Cross to Leeds takes 2h15 by LNER Azuma train , Leeds to Carlisle takes 2h40, Carlisle to Glasgow takes 1h15.

Off-Peak & Anytime tickets between London & Carlisle, Glasgow or Edinburgh with route any permitted are valid from Kings Cross via Leeds and the Settle & Carlisle line as well as on the faster & more direct east or west coast main lines.  However, it can be cheaper to use Advance fares for such a journey, see the practical information below .

There are great views on both sides.  The best views of the Ribblehead Viaduct are from the right hand side of the train going north as the line curves to the right and you can look forward into the curve.  However, the best scenic views are between Ribblehead, Dent & Garsdale and these are on the left hand side going north.

To explore the line more thoroughly

Walk from Dent to Ribblehead, 9.2 miles, 4½ hours?

Practical information

Train times.

Northern runs 8 trains per day in each direction between Leeds & Carlisle (6 on Sundays) most calling at all the local stations between Settle & Carlisle.  Trains run all year round except 25, 26 December.  Leeds to Carlisle takes 2h40.

You can check train times between any two stations at any train operator site such as tfw.wales or www.lner.co.uk   Booking for British trains usually opens up to 3 months ahead.

You can download a complete timetable for the Leeds-Settle-Appleby-Carlisle route at settle-carlisle.co.uk .

How much does it cost ?

Leeds-Carlisle starts at £13.20 each way.

If you buy a ticket on the day or want to stay flexible

How to buy tickets

There are Advance fares from London to Carlisle, Glasgow & Edinburgh (or vice versa) routed via the scenic Settle & Carlisle line.  But journey planners won't find these unless you tell it that you want to go via Settle.

Here's how to find them using tfw.wales :  First run an enquiry from KGX to CAR, GLC or EDB (using these station codes saves time).  The results page will initially show the normal direct mainline trains.  Ignore these and click CHANGE JOURNEY .  Now click More options .  Now look for Extra journey requirements and select Go via , entering SET for Settle.  Run the enquiry and you should now see journeys from London Kings Cross to Carlisle, Glasgow or Edinburgh with a change at Leeds and (if going to Scotland) Carlisle.

What are the train s like?

The trains between Leeds & Carlisle are run by Northern using air-conditioned class 158 diesel trains.  These are standard class only (no first class) with toilets, luggage racks, bike spaces.  A refreshment trolley operates on some services selling tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks.

A brief history

A stopover at ribblehead, the hawes junction accident of 1910, watch the video.

The video shows the whole journey from Leeds to Carlisle, partly on regular scheduled trains, partly on a charter train called the Staycation Express.

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OPERATING DAYS AND EVENTS

Book online or pay on the day – the same ticket price, we start the year by running steam trains on the wednesday and saturday of february half term week., in mid-march we are operating cream tea specials for mothers day, before our main season, opener on 23rd & 24th march where our spring industrial steam gala brings all our working, locomotives out from their winter slumber., this is followed by our easter egg specials across the four days of easter, and then we run, trains every saturday from the beginning of april to the end of september., throughout the year we hold special events over bank holiday weekends and our vintage, rail bus on wednesdays during august. in october we run our spooky trains for, halloween weekend, and we finish the year with our santa specials in december, keep your eyes on our social media for more information and details of our special events., upcoming special events.

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Ribblehead Viaduct – How to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales (2024)!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories ENGLAND , YORKSHIRE

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

One of the best places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is the Ribblehead Viaduct.

This Victorian train crossing was a spectacular triumph of engineering and has 24 large arches that span the countryside.

The great thing is that this viaduct is really easy to visit on a short walk from a free parking area nearby.

Many Potterheads believe that the Harry Potter movies were filmed here but how much of this is true? All will be revealed in this post. 

Here is how to visit the Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales with the history & my top tips.

What is Ribblehead Viaduct?

Ribblehead Viaduct, or Batty Moss Viaduct, is a train crossing on the border of Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

It was built as part of the Settle – Carlisle railway line across Batty Moss in the 19th century. 

It’s 400 metres long and just over 100 feet tall with a set of 24 tall arches that span the viaduct. 

Over 2,300 workers or “navvies” were involved in building this astonishing bridge in the Victorian era but there was also a tragic cost as well. 

Ribblehead Viaduct history

The viaduct was designed for the Midland Railways in 1869 by John Crosby who was the chief engineer. 

It was a huge project that started in 1870 and required an equally large workforce. Some 2,300 workmen were hired to build the bridge who were known as “navvies”.

Many of the men and their families settled down for the project near the viaduct in a series of Shanty Towns that had a ‘wild west’ feel. These were Batty Wife Hole, Sebastopol, and Belgravia.

It was a very harsh area to live in and some 100 workmen lost their lives whilst building this bridge. The Midlands Railway had to pay to extend graveyards to cater for the dead. 

This wasn’t just from accidents but disease, exposure, and a sudden outbreak of smallpox. 

200 men, women, and children in these shanty towns were buried in the churchyard at Chapel-le-Dale after the outbreak. 

There are now memorials to those who lost their lives in St Mary’s Church of Outhgill and St Leonard’s Church in Chapel-le-Dale. 

It was the last viaduct to be built by mainly manual labour and was finally finished in 1874. The first train crossed over the bridge in 1876 as part of the Settle – Carlisle railway line. 

Over 1.5 million red bricks were used for its construction and it’s considered one of the greatest triumphs of Victorian engineering. It still carries trains over the bridge to this very day.

What is the Ribblehead Viaduct Harry Potter connection?

Sorry Potterheads, but they didn’t film Harry Potter at Ribblehead Viaduct but it does look very similar.

That bridge is actually the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland and it’s so worth it to visit and watch the Hogwarts Express . 

However, if you did want to experience a bit of Harry Potter magic in the Yorkshire Dales then you need to head down to Malhamdale.

Malham Cove was a Harry Potter filming location in the Deathly Hallows Part 1 where Harry, Ron, and Hermione camp out. 

They are trying to open the Golden Snitch with the riddle ‘I open at the close’. Click here to read my complete Malham Cove Harry Potter walk guide!

Love Harry Potter? See more of my Harry Potter filming location guides here!

How to visit Ribblehead Viaduct 

It’s easiest and most convenient to drive to the Ribblehead Viaduct as it’s in quite a remote location in the Yorkshire Dales.

You’ll find it in between Gearstones and Chapel-le-Dale on the B6255 Low Sleights Road which is a turning off the A65. 

This is close to the popular attractions of White Scar Cave and Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. It’s also closest to Whernside Peak which is around a 4-mile walk away.

Ribblehead Viaduct’s address is Low Sleights Road, Carnforth LA6 3AU. Click here for a Google Pin! 

However, as it is a train viaduct, there is an active railway station at Ribblehead for Northern Railways . 

So, you could take a train here for the day and explore the area car-free. From the station, the viaduct is a 15-minute walk away.

Fun fact: Ribblehead train station is the highest elevation of all the train stations in England!

Also, there is a Northern Dales bus that has a stop at Ribblehead Viaduct. The Dales Bus 832 service stops at the Ribblehead Station Inn and you can walk from there.

Ribblehead Viaduct parking 

There is lots of FREE off-road parking near the Ribblehead Viaduct for you to visit which is open 24 hours a day. 

The parking is around half a mile from the viaduct and there are lots of easy-to-follow, designated pathways to walk up to it from there.

Fair warning though, this parking area can get quite busy as many people park up at Ribblehead Viaduct to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

This is a 24-mile continuous hike where you can climb up Ingleborough, Whernside, and Pen-y-Ghent. 

Also lots of campervans park here overnight. So, you may have to park up a little far from the beginning of the viaduct trail depending on when you visit.

The upside though is that the parking area often has lots of food vans that sell drinks, ice-creams, and food throughout the day! 

How long is the Ribblehead Viaduct walk?

From the parking area on the B6255 roadside, the walk to Ribblehead Viaduct is around 5-10 minutes.

You can see the viaduct quite easily from the parking area from afar but if you wanted to see it up close, you’ll be walking for around half a mile. 

The pathways are gravel tracks and they have been recently laid out so there’s no risk of muddy boots! It means you can visit all year even when it’s been raining. 

The viaduct is well signposted but you can easily see where the trail leads down to the bridge. 

This a very easy and scenic walk in the Yorkshire Dales and I would highly recommend visiting this achievement in engineering. 

Exploring the viaduct 

Once you reach the viaduct, you’ll find a memorial plaque where you can learn more about the viaduct and how it was built.

You don’t realise just how big this viaduct is until you reach the bottom. You’ll have to crane your neck to see the huge archways. 

There are fabulous views to be taken in all around when you’re exploring the bridge and you can even watch trains go by!

You can walk right under the archways and follow a trail to the stone houses and then walk back. 

Climb up the hillside for better views

The best viewpoint of the Ribblehead Viaduct (in my opinion) is the small hill that you can walk up beside it.

This hillside is at the start of Whernside Trail. You’ll walk on another short pathway parallel to the viaduct and follow some flagstone steps up the hillside.

This elevated position means that you can get a great view of the bridge and the countryside beyond it. 

It’s a great place to watch trains passing by or to take some gorgeous landscape photos. The best time would be a sunrise/sunset for more dramatic lighting. 

Do trains still go over Ribblehead Viaduct?

If you were a train spotter, you’ll be happy to know that Ribblehead station is still active and there are multiple train crossings every day.

You can check the Northern Railways website for their train timetables of when trains will cross over the viaduct. 

But, if you wanted to capture a bit of Harry Potter magic, the Settle – Carlisle Steam Train crosses over this bridge too. 

You can visit the Ribblehead Visitor Centre to learn the history of this iconic line and its reconstruction. 

Why not check out their Ribblehead Viaduct webcam ? This is a great way to see what the viaduct looks like before you arrive.

While I was here, I heard a train go over the bridge as I was underneath it! The noise from the archways whilst it was going overhead was so ominous.

My top tips for visiting 

• Wear sensible shoes – although the paths are flat, it’s always a good idea to wear ankle-supporting shoes. The walks around the viaduct are hilly with flagstones.
• Layer up – the viaduct is on an open plain and it can get very chilly and windy. It’s also completely exposed to the elements. So, wear layers or pack a raincoat in case of adverse weather. 
• Toilets – there are none here at the viaduct or the parking area. There are some at the Station Inn for patrons.
• Leave no trace – make sure to bring all rubbish home with you and leave no trace. Respect and protect these beautiful places.

Is Ribblehead Viaduct worth visiting?

100% yes, even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan this viaduct is well worth seeing. It’s massive and you don’t realise how big until you walk underneath it. 

The views are spectacular in this area. It’s surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Yorkshire and the rolling hills of the countryside.

Not only does it make an amazing photo opportunity but it’s also a short and easy walk in the Yorkshire Dales for all the family. 

You must put this on your Yorkshire bucket list if you’re visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park. 

Ribblehead Viaduct FAQs

• Was Ribblehead Viaduct used in Harry Potter? Not that was Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland!
• Why is Ribblehead Viaduct so famous? It’s an iconic feat of Victorian engineering with 24 archways. But, it also came at a tragic loss of 100 men’s lives to build it. 
• Can you walk across Ribblehead Viaduct? No, it’s too dangerous as trains still cross the bridge. But, you can take a train across it and walk underneath. 

• What is the nearest town to Ribblehead Viaduct? Hawes and Kirkby Lonsdale are the closest market towns. But, there are many villages near the viaduct like Ingleton that make great places to stay too. 
• Where is the best place to view the Ribblehead Viaduct? From the B6255 road or Low Sleights Road. There is free parking there. Also, on the Whernside trail just above the viaduct. You get great views of the train bridge and surrounding landscape. 
• Is the Ribblehead Viaduct dog friendly? Yes, but please keep them on a lead as there is wildlife that grazes around this area. This is especially important in the lambing season.

Read more of my Yorkshire guides

A complete guide for Janet’s Foss Waterfall

How to visit The Druid’s Temple in Masham 

How to visit Plumpton Rocks

How to do the Malham Cove Harry Potter walk

A complete guide for the Gordale Scar walk

How to visit the Fountains Abbey Witcher filming location

Brontë things to do in Haworth

How to visit the Brontë waterfall

A complete guide for Pendragon Castle

Harry Potter guide to York

Goathland Station Harry Potter guide

Dracula things to do in Whitby

Things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay

Things to do in Scarborough

Save how to visit Ribblehead Viaduct for later! 

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View the latest timetables, purchase tickets and find everything you need to know when travelling the Settle to Carlisle railway here.

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Exploring the stunning Yorkshire Dales and the Cumbrian Fells has never been easier.  With FREE downloadable walking routes and Grand Days Out guides, there's plenty here to keep you and your party on your feet!

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Whether you're travelling the Settle to Carlisle rail line or out and about exploring the region, our Catering Team are on hand to ensure your hunger levels are kept at bay!  Find our Refreshment Trolley on select Northern train services or visit the Ribblehead Coffee Shop & Visitor Centre.

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WATCH: Flying Scotsman Steams Over Ribblehead Viaduct

Sunday 22nd August 2021 would see world-famous LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 Flying Scotsman haul The Waverley railtour from York to Carlisle and return.

The Waverley is a tour run by The Railway Touring Company , which runs from York to Carlisle and return, along the Settle & Carlisle Line in the summer months every year running on certain Sundays.

The Waverley would see 60103 head through stations such as Church Fenton, Garforth, Leeds, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Skipton, Gargrave, Hellifield, Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Ribblehead , Garsdale, Kirkby Stephen & Appleby.

In this video, RailView captured the A3 on the outward leg at:

• Barkston Ash, near Church Fenton, Yorkshire, passing through at 10:05 2 minutes late.
• Bank Newton, near Gargrave, Yorkshire, passing through at 11:44 on time.
• Ribblehead Viaduct, Ribblehead, Yorkshire, passing through at 13:13 6 minutes early.

Info on 60103 Flying Scotsman:

• Built at Doncaster Works by the GNR in 1923.
• She was classified as an A1 Pacific.
• Numbered 1472.
• In 1924, she was renumbered 4472 and was named Flying Scotsman after the world-famous The Flying Scotsman train service.
• In 1924 & 1925, she took part in the famous British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Park in London.
• In 1928, she hauled the first non-stop run from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley.
• In 1929, she starred in a movie The Flying Scotsman.
• In 1934, she became the first official Steam Locomotive to run at 100MPH.
• In 1946, she was renumbered twice, first being 502 & later in the year to 103.
• In 1947 she was reclassified as an A3 Pacific.
• In 1948, she was renumbered by BR to 60103.
• In 1960, she was fitted with a Kylchap chimney and smoke deflectors to increase performance.
• She was withdrawn from service by BR in 1963.
• She was purchased for preservation in 1963 by Alan Pegler.
• In 1968, she hauled a non-stop run from London to Edinburgh to celebrate its 40th anniversary of the first non-stop run.
• In 1969, she was taken on tour to the USA.
• In 1971, Alan Pegler became bankrupt and Flying Scotsman was stranded in San Fransisco.
• In 1973, She was saved by Sir William McAlpine and was returned to the UK by a ship via the Panama Canal.
• When arrived at Liverpool Docks, she was taken to Derby Works for an overhaul.
• In 1978, she starred in the movie, Agatha.
• In 1988, she went on tour to Australia replacing 4468 Mallard at the bicentenary celebrations.
• In 1989, she made the longest non-stop steam run in the world, running 422 miles without stopping.
• She returned to the UK in 1990.
• In 1993 she returned to BR condition with double chimney & smoke deflectors.
• She was purchased by Dr Tony Marchington in 1996.
• In 2003, Tony Marchington was declared bankrupt.
• She was purchased by the National Railway Museum in 2004.
• In 2006, she was withdrawn for overhaul.
• 10 Years later in 2016, she returned to service.
• She now tours the country for many people to see.
• She is based at the National Railway Museum in York
• Her current livery is BR lined Brunswick green with late crest with the number 60103

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, more videos from RailView can be found on their YouTube Channel .

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Adventures by train – the Ribblehead Viaduct

Experience the Ribblehead Viaduct

Station: Ribblehead

Travel time from London: 4 hours

Travel time from Bristol: 6 hours

Author’s adventure tip:  The walks around Ribblehead Station include high moorland so pack accordingly. Take a map and compass or make sure you can charge your mobile device if you’re using that to navigate.

Practicalities: Toilets are only available during Ribblehead Visitor Centre opening hours (on the platform, summer season only). The platform is staggered and you have to cross the line (at both stations) on foot.

Your train adventure

The area around Ribblehead is one of those locations we are so good at in the UK that combines interest from our industrial past with stunning natural beauty. It’s easy to see how hard the workforce in this area would once have worked but it’s also easy to sit back and listen to the sky larks.

For the full experience it’s definitely worth following this walking route underneath the viaduct before taking the train over it.

For me, Dent Station was a must-visit location because it is the highest mainline train station in England.

It’s also a very long way from Dent Village.

Read about my winter adventure to Corrour on the West Highland Railway, the UK’s highest train station

Your Ribblehead Viaduct walk

Whichever way you arrive at Ribblehead Station, you won’t be disappointed with the scenery. Set high in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this area has plenty of walks to offer but because train run to timetables, we’ve opted for one of the shortest.

Note: You could also choose a much longer, steeper route from here. Ribblehead is at the foot of Ingleborough, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The complete challenge route is 25 miles and passes by Horton in Ribblesdale Station as well as Ribblehead Station.

Yesterday’s industry, today’s nature

This short walk is one of many in the area but it’s easy to follow and allows you plenty of time to enjoy a meal at the famous Station Inn once you’ve finished.

Station-to-station walking routes in the UK

Your Ribblehead short walking route

Your walking route on OS Maps: Ribblehead Viaduct short walk

This 4.5 kilometre (2.7 miles) walk follows clear trails and offers the best views of Ribblehead Viaduct. Admire then pass underneath the impressive 24-arch structure then enjoy a bit of countryside before you turn back up to the railway line to spot the remains of what was once one of the construction site shanty towns .

The Ribblehead Visitor Centre

Before you leave the station, take the opportunity to go into the visitor centre and find out more about the history of the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Settle-Carlisle Railway.

• Find the Station Inn

Follow the station lane down to the road. At the Station Inn turn right down the hill to cross the cattle grid then left onto a track. You’ll be back at the Inn in plenty of time to enjoy its viaduct views over a drink.

2. Pass underneath the Ribblehead Viaduct

Take your time on this track, the views of the viaduct change as you approach and it’s worth checking the train timetables to arrive as a train passes above you.

3. Cross the stream at Gunnerfleet Farm

Follow the track then go through the farm gate (always leave gates as you find them). At Gunnerfleet Farm keep to the left of the buildings and pass through two more gates to cross the stream.

4. Climb up to the railway

Once you’ve crossed the stream, turn right to follow the track, then right again at the junction. This track will take you onto open moorland and gently uphill to pass underneath a railway bridge.

5. Follow the railway line

Once under the bridge, turn right onto the main bridleway. Follow this along the railway back to the viaduct. On the way look out for the remains of the shanty town.

6. Back to the pub

Continue along the bridleway to the Station Inn. If you’ve got time before your train, this is a great spot for a bite to eat and the views of the viaduct from the beer garden are fabulous.

Plan your own walking route with OS Maps 2022

Author’s adventure

Confession time.

I occasionally swap the train for our campervan.

But trains are always my favourite way to adventure. Although I did enjoy a train ride while I was in the Ribblehead area, I didn’t arrive there by train. We stayed at the Station Inn in our campervan at the start of our annual road trip to Scotland.

I can’t wait to travel the whole of the Settle-Carlisle line.

We arrived in the evening and met our son, also in his campervan, who has lived in Yorkshire so long now he has an appropriately broad accent. As well as allowing van parking in their car park (if you buy a meal) the Station Inn has a bunkhouse if you would like your train adventure to become an overnight one.

An evening viaduct stroll

The chaps wanted their pub dinner straight away but I insisted we took advantage of the clear skies (and possible sunset) by taking a walk down to and around the viaduct (which you could see easily from the car park).

Iconic image time

We (and the two dogs) had a lovely stroll and catching-up chat. The viaduct was impressive from underneath and I was excited to be visiting somewhere that’s been on my train bucket list for ages. I delayed proceedings by taking loads of photos.

What? No pies in Yorkshire?

By the time we had strolled back past the singing skylarks to the pub, they had stopped serving hot food. The chaps were very polite about their lack of pies but I knew the situation was my fault. In the end we didn’t feel hard done by as the ploughmans’ suppers were a real treat (and luckily include a slice of pie).

Lark arising

I woke with the (actual) larks and the dog needed what dog’s need in the morning, so we took an amble up to Ribblehead Railway Station. It was slightly eerie exploring it so early but good to have it to myself and the coronation flags added a festive air.

An unusual platform arrangement

The first thing I noticed (after working out the directions for Carlisle and Leeds) was that the opposite platform appeared to be missing. It took my early-morning head a while to notice that it was indeed there but stepped away down the track.

Look both ways

The barrow (foot) crossing was fun and gave me a chance to take some photos down the track. I also enjoyed reading the information in the beautifully restored waiting room.

It was then I knew I had to get on a train

But breakfast and time with the lads came first. We chilled out (as much as you can with two dogs and three adults in a small van) and came up with an arrangement that definitely met with my approval.

England’s highest mainline train station

I would get on the train at Ribblehead, travel over the Ribblehead Viaduct (300m), go through Blea Moor Tunnel, enjoy views from the smaller Dent Head Viaduct then climb to Dent Station (350m).

They would drive round in the vans to meet me.

How that went is another story altogether!!

Find out how my train trip between Ribblehead station and Dent station went.

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