The Yorkshire Dales Explorer is an exciting new service that links Greater Manchester and Lancashire to the Settle Carlisle line and the wonderful Yorkshire Dales. It operates on Saturdays and started in June 2024, as an extension of the Rochdale to Blackburn service with 2 trains a day going on to Ribblehead via Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley.
Although trains will terminate at Ribblehead there will be good connections with the Leeds to Carlisle service for those wanting to travel along Mallerstang to Kirkby Stephen as well as to the Eden Valley, Appleby and Carlisle.
Ribblehead station offers the opportunity to view the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct that featured so much when the line was under threat of closure in the 1980s as well as the stunning Ingleborough which can be clearly seen from the station.
Details of the train service and connections can be found on this link: Yorkshire Dales Explorer Timetables. The Lancashire Rail Ramblers are developing a guided walks programme along with connecting bus services and this will be available to download soon. There is much to see and do along the Settle Carlisle line so it pays to plan your day and there are many ideas that can be discovered as you explore this website.
Text and photo courtesy Community Rail Lancashire.
