The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line are repeating their popular walking tours around the railway construction site at Ribblehead every Wednesday from now until September, 11th inclusive plus Saturday 17th August. The walks are free of charge.
Organiser Peter Davies said “These tours attracted record numbers in 2012 and are back this year by popular demand. People are fascinated by the Settle-Carlisle railway and its construction. This is a chance for people to learn about the Ribblehead area and to see the viaduct and nearby sites of interest up close.”
On all days there will be a short walk of just two and a half miles covering the shanty town sites. This walk returns to Ribblehead, in time for the 13.18 train south or the 14.05 north. A longer walk of five miles goes over Blea Moor to view Littledale where stone was obtained to construct the viaduct, and the tunnel airshafts. This tour arrives back at Ribblehead around 3 pm. On both walks we talk about the history of the railway’s construction, the life of the railway builders and refurbishment of the viaduct.
Bring waterproofs and stout footwear - and a packed lunch if you opt for the longer tour. Meet at the main building on Ribblehead station at 10.25 for either tour.
New for 2013, on Sundays 22nd September, 20th October 2013, 16th March and 20th April, 2014 there will be a ‘short’ walk – leaving Ribblehead station at 10.15. This will be of particular value to people using the new ‘Ribble Valley Connect’ Sunday bus service connecting with Settle and Carlisle trains at Hellifield.