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weekend walks for the public

RELATED LINKS:

LEEDS-SETTLE-CARLISLE AND LEEDS-BENTHAM-MORECAMBE
Rail Timetable
21 May 2023 to
9 December 2023


National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner

Engineering Works
Update


Walk Leader's Checklist (Microsoft Word document)
To view PDF files, you may need Adobe Reader, a free download from the Adobe website - please click below to obtain this


 

Northern Rail Network Map (PDF file, 1.9 MB)

Dent railway Station, the highest railway station in England and the start of many walks down the Dent dale valley (Be warned, Dent village is about 5 miles away!) and up Whernside, the highest of the "Three Peaks".

Plaque on Settle Station the start for many walks for all types of walker.

 

 


Guided Walks from the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle,

Leeds-Morecambe and other selected Railways

ALL WALKS ARE ON SATURDAY (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)

Please click the links below to view the walks for the month of your choice

June July September October November December


Enquiry about an event? Please email us at enquiries@friendsofdalesrail.org

 

Every weekend there are free guided walks for the general public. The walks are of various lengths and degrees of difficulty. They are all designed to link up with train services from the Leeds area. For details of the individual walks, please see the tables below. All of the walks will have an experienced leader and backup. These will meet you at the designated railway station.

The starting times of the trains from Leeds (unless otherwise stated) are given below within the relevant tables. You can check these and find fares information by using the links opposite, or you can ring National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50. All you have to do is buy the appropriate rail ticket, get on the train at your most convenient station and alight at the designated station. You will then be met by the leader and backup, who will explain the walk.

Please choose a level of walk with which you are comfortable. If you are new to walking we recommend you choose an easy grade until you discover your level of fitness and the suitability of your equipment. If in doubt please speak to the leader at the start of the walk. Please click here for information about walk grades.

IMPORTANT - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Please check this website the day before travel, in case of any late alterations or cancellations
- Leaders also reserve the right to alter the walk on the day due to adverse weather conditions, etc
- Whilst leaders take every care, your comfort and safety are your own responsibility
- The pace of the walk is appropriate to the distance and the available time. We ask that walkers accept the pace set
- Anyone getting ahead of the leader may be deemed to have left the walk
- Dogs (on a short lead) are welcome on most walks, but please check this website beforehand
- Good footwear and adequate clothing are essential
- Please carry enough food and drink for the day
- Under 18 year olds and any vulnerable adults to be accompanied by a responsible adult

 
Guided Walks from the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle,
Leeds-Morecambe and other selected Railways
TRAIN TIMES
Walks take place on Saturdays from the 09.19 Leeds-Settle-Carlisle train unless otherwise stated.
Each walk officially begins upon the actual arrival of the train at the designated station, where you should alight.
The scheduled train arrival time is indicated below within the booking details for each walk.
Walks will usually finish in time to return to Leeds by 7.08 pm (Settle/Carlisle line). Return times from other lines will be similar.
June 2023
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
10 June Armathwaite Circular
via Hawkcliff Scar and Ainstable Church
Book, alight (11.46) and return Armathwaite
Late train return
11 miles Moderate
Marsden to Greenfield
via Standedge Trail and Huddersfield Narrow Canal
From the 09.54 Huddersfield to Manchester Piccadilly train
Book and return Greenfield: alight Marsden (10.05)
7 miles Easy
17 June Addingham Circular
via Dales High Way, Draughton, Halton Edge, the Strid, Bolton Bridge, Dob Wood and Highfield House
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book, alight (08.42) and return Keighley
(bus out from and back to Keighley)
12.5 miles Moderate/strenuous
Saltaire Circular
via Five Rise Locks, Bingley and Shipley Glen Tramway
From the 09.56 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight (10.10) and return Saltaire
8.5 miles Easy
24 June Horton to Settle
via Sulber Nick, Crummackdale, Norber Erratics, Dub Wash and Feizor
Book and alight (10.30) Horton: return Settle 12 miles Moderate/strenuous
Barnoldswick Circular
via three churches with ice cream stop
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7/8 miles Easy
July 2023
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
1 July Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Valley
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight (09.34) and return Kirkby Stephen
15 miles Strenuous
Long Preston to Gisburn
via Pennine Bridleway
Book and alight (10.14) Long Preston: return Skipton
(bus back to Skipton) 
10 miles Moderate
8 July Denby Dale to Holmfirth
via Kirklees Way
From the 10.12 Huddersfield to Sheffield train
Book and alight (10.35) Denby Dale: return Huddersfield
(bus back to Huddersfield)
11 miles Moderate
Laneshaw Bridge Circular
via Wycoller and Trawden
Book, alight (09.42) and return Keighley
(bus out from and back to Keighley)
7 miles Easy
15 July Dent to Ribblehead
via the Craven Way and Whernside (the highest peak from the highest station)
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and alight (09.16) Dent: return Ribblehead
13 miles Moderate/strenuous
Arnside Circular
via Beetham
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book, alight (10.33) and return Arnside
8 miles Easy
22 July Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Ash Fell and Smardale
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight (09.34) and return Kirkby Stephen
13.5 miles Moderate/strenuous
Garsdale to Hawes
via Cotter Force
Book, alight (10.52) and return Garsdale
(bus back to Garsdale)
8 miles Easy
29 July Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Nine Standards Rigg
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight (09.34) and return Kirkby Stephen
11-12 miles Moderate
Bolton Abbey Strid to Addingham
via Dales Way
From the 09.32 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book, alight (10.00) and return Ilkley
(bus out from and back to Ilkley)
7 miles Easy
August 2023
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
5 Aug Horton to Ribblehead
via Trow Gill, Gaping Gill and Ingleborough
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and return Ribblehead: alight Horton (08.58)
15 miles Strenuous
Arnside to Carnforth
via Warton Crag and Silverdale
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and alight (10.33) Arnside: return Carnforth
10 miles Moderate
12 Aug Greenfield Horseshoe
via Dovestones, Alpin Pike, Chew Reservoir and Foxstone
From the 09.54 Huddersfield to Manchester Piccadilly train
Book, alight (10.14) and return Greenfield
14 miles Moderate/strenuous
Long Preston Circular
via Scaleber Wood and Falls
Book, alight (10.14) and return Long Preston 8 miles Easy
19 Aug Wennington to Bentham
via River Hindburn and Tatham Valley
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and alight (09.40) Wennington: return Bentham
12 miles Moderate
Bolton Abbey Strid to Grassington
via Dales Way
From the 09.32 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book, alight (10.00) and return Ilkley
(bus out from and back to Ilkley)
7/8 miles Easy
26 Aug Settle Circular
via Two Scars and Two Fosses: Winskill, Catrigg Foss, Stainforth, Smearsett and Giggleswick
Book, alight (10.20) and return Settle 13 miles Moderate/strenuous
Ribblehead Circular
via Chapel-le-dale
Book, alight (10.37) and return Ribblehead 7 miles Easy
September 2023
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
2 Sep Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Ewbank Scar and the Rigg
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight (09.34) and return Kirkby Stephen
15 miles Strenuous
Garsdale Circular
via Hell Gill and Lund’s Church 
Book, alight (10.52) and return Garsdale 10 miles Moderate
9 Sep Dent to Ribblehead
via the Craven Way
Book and alight (10.47) Dent: return Ribblehead 10 miles Moderate
16 Sep Ripley to Pateley Bridge
via Brimham Rocks and Nidderdale Way
From the 08.59 Leeds to York (via Harrogate) train
Book, alight (09.33) and return Harrogate
(bus out from and back to Harrogate)
11 miles Moderate
Barnoldswick Circular
towards Salterforth
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7/8 miles Easy
23 Sep Laneshaw Bridge to Wycoller
via Walton Monument and Boulsworth Hill
From the 08.54 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight (09.21) and return Keighley
(bus out from and back to Keighley)
12 miles Moderate/strenuous
Grassington Circular
via Conistone
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight (09.09) and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7/8 miles Easy
30 Sep Garsdale Circular
via Thwaite Bridge, Cotter End, the High Way, Hell Gill and Lunds
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight (09.21) and return Garsdale
13 miles Moderate/strenuous
Barnoldswick Circular
towards Earby
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7/8 miles Easy
October 2023
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
7 Oct Skipton to Grassington
via Barden Moor following the Lady Anne Way
Sorry no dogs
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton
(bus back to Skipton)
15 miles Strenuous
Malham Tarn to Gargrave
via Malhamdale
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight (09.09) and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
10 miles Moderate
14 Oct Skipton Circular
via Carleton-in-Craven and Lothersdale
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton 10 miles Moderate
21 Oct

Ribblehead Circular
via Ingleborough

Book, alight (10.37) and return Ribblehead 10 miles Moderate
Clapham to Settle
via Auswick and Feizor
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and alight (09.29) Clapham: return Settle
8 miles Easy
28 Oct Hebden Bridge Circular
via Five Reservoirs
From the 09.12 Leeds to Manchester Victoria train
Book, alight (09.55) and return Hebden Bridge
14 miles Moderate/strenuous
Gisburn to Barnoldswick
via Horton
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7/8 miles Easy
November 2023
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
4 Nov Hellifield to Settle
via Malham and Pike Daw
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and return Settle: alight Hellifield (09.10)
14 miles Strenuous
Settle to Horton
via Helwith Bridge 
Book and return Horton: alight Settle (10.20) 10 miles Moderate
11 Nov Horton Circular
via Pen-y-Ghent, Dub Cote and Moughton Scar  
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight (08.58) and return Horton
12 miles Moderate/strenuous
Ripley to Knaresborough
via Greenway path and Nidd Gorge
From the 08.59 Leeds to York (via Harrogate) train
Book and return Knaresborough: alight Harrogate
(09.33)
(bus out from Harrogate)
7 miles Easy
18 Nov Bentham to Ribblehead
via Scars of Whernside
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and alight (09.35) Bentham: return Ribblehead
12 miles Moderate
Barnoldswick Circular
west towards Weets
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7/8 miles Easy
25 Nov Bingley to Ilkley
via Rombalds Moor and the Thimble Stones
Book and alight Bingley (09.37) return Ilkley 14 miles Moderate/strenuous
Haworth Circular
via Bronte Seat, Top Withins and Stanbury
Book, alight (09.42) and return Keighley
(bus out from and back to Keighley)
7.5 miles Easy
December 2023
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
2 Dec Horton to Settle
via Fountains Fell and Henside
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and alight (08.58) Horton: return Settle
14 miles Strenuous
Laneshaw Bridge Circular
via Noyna Hill, Great Edge and Knarrs
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight (08.51) and return Keighley
(bus out from and back to Keighley)
10.5 miles Moderate
9 Dec Todmorden to Hebden Bridge
via Calderdale Way
From the 09.12 Leeds to Manchester Victoria train
Book and alight (10.03) Todmorden: return Hebden Bridge
10 miles Moderate
Horton to Clapham
via Ingleton Cave
Book and alight (10.30) Horton: return Settle
(bus back to Settle)
7 miles Easy
16 Dec Gargrave to Settle
via Otterburn and Scaleber Force
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and return Settle: alight Gargrave
12 miles Moderate/strenuous
Gargrave to Thornton in Craven
via Bank Newton, Ingthorpe Grange and Pennine Way
Book and alight Gargrave: return Skipton
(bus back to Skipton)
7 miles Easy
23 Dec Skipton Circular
via Eastby Gate and Lower Barden Reservoir
Sorry no dogs
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book, alight and return Skipton
12 miles Moderate/strenuous
Settle Circular
via Mearbeck Woods
Book, alight and return Settle 7 miles Easy
30 Dec Hellifield Circular
via Otterburn and Kirkby Malham 
Book, alight and return Hellifield 12 miles Moderate
Skipton Circular
via Skipton Woods and Stirton
Book, alight and return Skipton 6-7 miles Easy

 

 


definitions of walk grades

EASY
Leisurely walks at a gentle pace with regular stops for viewing and refreshment. Any climbs will be of modest gradient and length.

MODERATE
These walks cater for the more experienced walkers. Expect a full day's walk at a steady pace. The walk may well encounter steeper gradients and more difficult terrain.

STRENUOUS
A full day's walk at a brisk pace, you probably will encounter steep slopes and difficult terrain. The walk may also include yomping and/or short scrambles. There could be time constraints.

 

Past Train Walks
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

 

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