We are the Craven Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This walk offers an interesting variety of landscape and terrains as well as, on a clear day, lovely views over Dentdale, the Yorkshire Three Peaks area and three of the best viaducts on the Settle Carlisle railway line.
The 09.09 all stations from Leeds (leaving Skipton at 09.57) is due to arrive at Dent at 10.46.
Leaving Dent, England’s highest mainline station, the walk ascends initially the Coal Road before contouring around Great Knoutberry Hill. On a clear day, there are good views over Dentdale as well as the Howgills and Southern Lake District fells beyond.
Descending Arten Gill under Dent Fell, our route goes under the attractive Arten Gill viaduct. On reaching a minor road, we follow the Dalesway in a southerly direction to Bridge End cottage where we pick up a path to ascend to see the delightful Dent Head viaduct near the Blea Moor Tunnel entrance.
Our route then follows a path that follows above the line of Blea Moor Tunnel, seeing the tunnel’s air shafts.
On descent from Blea Moor, we follow the Yorkshire Three peaks path to the resplendent Ribblehead Viaduct. Amaze at this feat of engineering the construction of which featured in the fictional 2016 TV series Jericho. Ribblehead viaduct is an outstanding example of Victorian Craftmanship, showcasing the innovation and determination of its era. With the Settle Carlisle Railway saved from closure in the 1980s, Ribblehead Viaduct became Grade II listed in November 1988. Between 1990 and 1992 Ribblehead Viaduct underwent major restoration and that took place again in November 2020.
We aim to be at Ribblehead Station to catch the 16.44 train south all stations to Leeds, arriving Skipton at 17.24 and Leeds at 18.04.
Craven Ramblers’ rail ramble no longer includes a post-walk meal so bring your own packed lunch etc.
We should have time for post walk refreshments at the Station Inn at Ribblehead.
Book your return ticket for the furtherest away station, ie if travelling North up the line book Dent return, alighting at Dent Station for the start of the walk and board at Ribblehead Station for the journey home.
Dent Railway Station, Coal Road, Cowgill, Cumbria LA10 5RF (limited car parking available)
Garsdale station, Coal Road, Garsdale Head, Cumbria
