Ribblehead station, with Whernside in the distrance. Stations along the line are the start points for walksThe Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line have announced their programme of free guided walks for the coming year.

Ribblehead station, with Whernside in the distrance. Stations along the line are the start points for walks

The walks all start and end at stations on the railway line, rated one of the most scenic in England, and include strenuous 12 mile hikes over the hills and more sedate seven mile rambles. The walks are led by 18 different leaders in the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley.


The walks enable participants to access the Dales and Cumbria by train from Leeds, Carlisle or stations along the route. Some of the routes entail use of the Leeds to Morecambe line. The aim is to encourage use of public transport for those heading for the hills and dales. The first guided walks take place this Saturday, and there are regular trips through until June.

Toughest trek has to be the 24-mile Three Peaks walk on 23 February. There are also bus-linked walks in the Lake District and to Hadrian’s Wall.

Details of the walks are on the Settle-Carlisle Partnership website; click on the Walks tab.