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weekend walks for the public

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LEEDS-SETTLE-CARLISLE AND LEEDS-BENTHAM-MORECAMBE
Rail Timetable
2 June to
14 December 2024


National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner

Engineering Works
Update


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


 

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

Dec Jan Mar April
May June July Aug

 


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
- 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
- Leaders also reserve the right to alter the walk on the day due to adverse weather conditions, etc

 
Guided Walks from the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle,
Leeds-Morecambe and other selected Railways
TRAIN TIMES
Walks take place on Saturdays from the 09.20 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.
December 2024
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
07 Dec Horton to Settle
via Sulber Nick, Moughton and Austwick
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and alight Horton (08.58) - return Settle
13 miles Strenuous
Laneshaw Bridge to Earby
via Foulridge Upper and Lower Reservoirs
Further information about the above walk
Book and return Skipton - alight Keighley (09.43)
(bus out from Keighley and back to Skipton)
10 miles Moderate
14 Dec Todmorden to Hebden Bridge
via Stoodley Pike and Cragg Vale
From the 08.42 Leeds to Chester train
Book and alight Todmorden (09.36) - return Hebden Bridge
11 miles Moderate
Keighley Circular
via the Worth valley
Book, alight (09.43) and return Keighley 7-8 miles Easy
21 Dec Cononley Circular
via Lothersdale and Pinhaw Beacon
From the 08.54 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight (09.30) and return Cononley
12 miles Moderate/Strenuous
Settle Circular
via Giggleswick
Book, alight (10.20) and return Settle 7 miles Easy
28 Dec Skipton Circular
via Draughton Moor and Embsay
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton 12 miles Moderate
Skipton Circular
via Embsay
Book, alight (09.56) and return Skipton 7 miles Easy
January 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
Wed
01 Jan
Ilkley Circular
via Ilkley Moor
From the 10.03 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book, alight and return Ilkley
11 miles Moderate
Menston to Ilkley
via Burley in Wharfedale
From the 11.03 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book and return Ilkley - alight Menston
6 miles Easy
04 Jan
Penistone Circular
via TransPennine Trail, Langsett Reservoir, North America farm and Midhopestones
09.09 train from Leeds to Barnsley (Nottingham service)
then the 10.03 train from Barnsley to Penistone (Lockwood Service)

Book, alight and return Penistone
13 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Horton to Settle
via Feizor and Stainforth Force
Book and alight Horton - return Settle 10 miles Moderate
11 Jan
Bingley to Apperley Bridge
via Shipley Glen and Baildon Hill
Book and alight Bingley - return Apperley Bridge 11.5 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Apperley Bridge Circular
via Esholt and canal
From the 10.12 Leeds to Bradford Forster Square train
Book, alight and return Apperley Bridge
7 miles Easy
18 Jan
Horton to Ribblehead
via Ling Gill and Pennine Way
Book and return Ribblehead - alight Horton 11 miles Moderate
Carnforth Circular
via Bolton-le-Sands
From the 10.18 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book, alight and return Carnforth
7 miles Easy
25 Jan
Appleby Circular
via Bolton and Colby
Book, alight and return Appleby 10 miles Moderate
Broughton Circular
via Carleton, Catlow Gill and Elslack
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7.5 miles Easy
February 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
01 Feb
DALESRAIL SPECIAL - 3 WALKS AND ANNUAL DINNER AT HERRIOT'S, SKIPTON
Skipton Circular
via Carleton, Elslack and Pinhaw and Lothersdale
From the 08.54 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Skipton
14 miles Strenuous
Gargrave to Skipton
via Flasby Fell
Book and alight Gargrave - return Skipton 10 miles Moderate
Skipton Circular
via Skipton woods and Stirton
From the 10.49 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight and return Skipton
6 miles Easy
08 Feb
Clapham to Horton
via Ingleborough
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and alight Clapham – return Horton
12 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Settle Circular
via Stackhouse and by the Ribble
Book, alight and return Settle 5.5 miles Easy
15 Feb
Blubberhouses to Harrogate
via Fewston, Swinsty, Beaver Dyke reservoirs and the Harrogate Link
From the 08.59 Leeds to York (via Harrogate) train
Book, alight and return Harrogate (bus out from Harrogate)
11 miles Moderate
Stanbury to Laneshaw Bridge
via Bronte Way and Wycoller
Book, alight and return Keighley (bus out from and back to Keighley) 7.5 miles Easy
22 Feb
Gargrave to Skipton
via Malham and Fair Sleets Gate
Book and alight Gargrave - return Skipton 13 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Giggleswick to Long Preston
via paths and lanes
From the 10.18 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and alight Giggleswick - return Long Preston
6 miles Easy
March 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
01 March
Skipton Circular
via Flasby, Cracoe and Rylstone Edge

SORRY NO DOGS
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train Book, alight and return Skipton 16 miles Strenuous
Grassington Circular
via Hebden Gill
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
10 miles Moderate
08 March
Settle to Horton
via Catrigg Force and Brackenbottom Scar
Book and return Horton - alight Settle 11 miles Moderate
Harrogate to Knaresborough
via Gateway path and Bilton
From the 09.59 Leeds to York (via Harrogate) train
Book and return Knaresborough - alight Harrogate
6 miles Easy
15 March
Lancaster to Morecambe
via River Lune and Heysham Head
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and return Morecambe - alight Lancaster
10 miles Moderate
Chatburn Circular
via Twiston Mill, Hecklin Farm and Worsaw End
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7 miles Easy
22 March
Grassington Circular
via Malham Moor, Kilnsey, Conistone and Grass Wood
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Skipton

(bus out from and back to Skipton)
12 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Ilkley Circular
via Heber’s Ghyll and Addingham Moorside
From the 09.33 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book, alight and return Ilkley
7/8 miles Easy
29 March
Long Preston to Gargrave
via Kirkby Malham
Book and alight Long Preston - return Gargrave 12 miles Moderate
Horton to Settle
via Dub Cote and Helwith Bridge
Book and alight Horton - return Settle 8 miles Easy
April 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
05 April
Todmorden to Hebden Bridge
via the Calderdale Way, Hartley, Blackshaw Head and Heptonstall
From the 09.12 Leeds to Manchester Victoria train
Book and alight Todmorden - return Hebden Bridge
14 miles Strenuous
Laneshaw Bridge to Haworth
via Wycoller and the Bronte Way
From the 08.54 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Keighley

(bus out from and back to Keighley)
10 miles Moderate
12 April
Ben Rhydding to Saltaire
via Burley Moor and Baildon Moor
From the 09.33 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book and alight Ben Rhydding - return Saltaire
10 miles Moderate
Burnsall to Grassington
via Hole Bottom and Edge Lane
From the 09.33 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book and alight and return Ilkley

(bus out from and back to Ilkley)
5.5 miles Easy
19 April
EASTER DALESRAIL SPECIAL - 4 WALKS
Ribblehead to Settle
via Ingleborough, Norber and Feizor
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and alight Ribblehead - return Settle
15 miles Strenuous
Settle Circular: The Elgar Way
via Giggleswick, Stainforth, Catrigg and Victoria Cave
Book, alight and return Settle 13 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Hellifield to Settle
via Langber Lane
Book and return Settle - alight Hellifield 10 miles Moderate
Settle Circular
via Langcliffe, Hoffman Kilns and Stainforth
Book, alight and return Settle 7 miles Easy
26 April
Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Smardale and Waitby Nature Reserve
Book, alight and return Kirkby Stephen 10 miles Moderate
Horton to Austwick
via Wharfe Woods
Book and alight Horton - return Settle (bus back to Settle) 7 miles Easy

ride2stride Settle Carlisle Walking Festival - Tuesday 29 April to Monday 5 May 2025
For details of the full festival programme, please see the ride2stride website
Please note no dogs other than registered assistance dogs, will be accepted on ride2stride walks - as indicated below. The festival attracts large numbers of walkers and this decision has been taken in the interest of safety and enjoyment for everyone and to protect livestock and wildlife.

May 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
03 May
Garsdale to Dent
via Garsdale Foot and Dent Village

SORRY NO DOGS
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and alight Garsdale - return Dent
15.5 miles Strenuous
Settle Circular
via the Three Waterfalls

SORRY NO DOGS
Book, alight and return Settle 10 miles Moderate
Horton to Ribblehead
via Sulber Nick and Nature Reserve

SORRY NO DOGS
Book and return Ribblehead - alight Horton 7 miles Easy
10 May
Grange Over Sands Circular
via Cartmel Priory
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train Book, alight and return Grange 10 miles Moderate
Gargrave to Malham Book and alight Gargrave - return Skipton (bus back to Skipton) 7.5 miles Easy
17 May
Littleborough to Hebden Bridge
via Blackstone Edge Reservoir
From the 09.18 Leeds to Wigan Wallgate train
Book and alight Littleborough - return Hebden Bridge
12 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Bingley Circular
via St Ives Estate
Book, alight and return Bingley 6 miles Easy
24 May
Garsdale Circular
via Flust and Grisedale
Book, alight and return Garsdale 12 miles Moderate
Bolton Abbey Circular
via Storiths, Noska Head, Kex Beck and Beamsley
From the 09.33 Leeds to Ilkley train
Book, alight and return Ilkley

(bus out from and back to Ilkley)
7.5 miles Easy
31 May
Garsdale to Kirkby Stephen
via High Dyke, Thrang Bridge and Pendragon
Book and return Kirkby Stephen - alight Garsdale 13 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Lammerside and Eden Viaducts
Book, alight and return Kirkby Stephen 8 miles Easy
June 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
07 June
Greenfield Circular: Greenfield Horse Shoe
via Alphin Pike, Dovestones, Chew Reservoir and Foxstone
Train times to be confirmed – please check this website nearer the time
Book, alight and return Greenfield
14 miles Strenuous
Chatburn Circular
via Pendle Hill and Downham
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
10 miles Moderate
14 June
Ribblehead to Horton
via Crummack Dale
Book and alight Ribblehead - return Horton 10 miles Moderate
21 June
Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Crosby Garret and Potts Valley
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight and return Kirkby Stephen
13 miles Strenuous

 

Carnforth Circular
via Lancs coastal path, Hawksheads and Lancaster canal
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book, alight and return Carnforth
8.5 miles Easy
28 June
Appleby Circular
via Brampton and Long Marton
Book, alight and return Appleby 10 miles Moderate
Spofforth to Knaresborough
via Crimple Beck and Plumpton Rocks
From the 09.29 Leeds to York via Harrogate train
Book and return Knaresborough - alight Harrogate

(bus out from Harrogate)
6 miles Easy
July 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
05 July
45TH ANNIVERSARY AND CELEBRATION DINNER AT HELLIFIELD STATION CAFE
Details of walks to be confirmed
12 July
Todmorden Circular
via the Bride Stones
From the 08.42 Leeds to Chester train
Book, alight and return Todmorden
9 miles Moderate
Rylstone to Grassington
via Linton
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Skipton

(bus out from and back to Skipton)
5.5 miles Easy
19 July
Ribblehead to Horton
via Thorns Gill, Cam High Road and Ling Gill
Book and alight Ribblehead - return Horton 13 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Clapham Circular
via Newby, Clapdale, Ingleborough Cave and Long Lane
From the 10.18 Leeds to Morecambe train
Book and alight Giggleswick - return Settle

(bus out from Giggleswick and back to Settle)
7.5 miles Easy
26 July
Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Nine Standards Rigg
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book, alight and return Kirkby Stephen
11 miles Moderate
Barnoldswick to Elslack
via Thornton in Craven
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
7 miles Easy
August 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
02 Aug
Garsdale to Kirkby Stephen
via Gregory Chapel, High Seat and Nateby
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and return Kirkby Stephen - alight Garsdale
13 miles Strenuous

 

Horton Circular
via Pen-y-Ghent (Climb a peak slowly)
Book, alight and return Horton 8 miles Moderate
09 Aug
Greenfield Circular
via Donkey Trail, Tame valley, Delph, Castleshaw Reservoir, Roman Fort and Harrop Edge
Train times to be confirmed – please check this website nearer the time
Book, alight and return Greenfield
12.5 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Malham Tarn down to Malham
via Long Lane
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
6 miles Easy
16 Aug
Carnforth to Arnside 
via Jenny Brown Point
From the 08.19 Leeds to Morecambe train Book and return Arnside - alight Carnforth 10 miles Moderate
Rylstone Circular
via Hetton, Flasby and Rough Haw
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
6.5 miles Easy
23 Aug
Horton Circular
via Pen-y-Ghent and Moughton Scar
Book, alight and return Horton 12 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Ribblehead to Ingleton
via Chapel-le-Dale
Book and alight Ribblehead - return Settle
(bus back to Settle)
8 miles Easy
30 Aug
Kirkby Stephen Circular
via Smardale Valley
Book, alight and return Kirkby Stephen 13 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Appleby Circular
via Ormside and Rutter Force
Book, alight and return Appleby 9 miles Easy/ Moderate
September 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
06 Sep
Hebden Bridge Circular
via Calderdale Way and Cragg Vale Coiners Walk
From the 08.57 Leeds to Blackpool North train
Book, alight and return Hebden Bridge
13 miles Strenuous
Garsdale Circular
via Cotter End and the High Way
Book, alight and return Garsdale 11 miles Moderate
13 Sep
Horton to Settle
via Austwick
Book and alight Horton - return Settle 11 miles Moderate
20 Sep
Marsden Circular
via Pule Hill, Milestone Edge and Close Gate Bridge
Train times to be confirmed – please check this website nearer the time
Book, alight and return Marsden
9 miles Moderate
Sutton in Craven to Steeton
via Sutton Wood, Hill Top, Long House and Eastburn
From the 09.56 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Steeton

(bus out from Steeton)
6.5 miles Easy
27 Sep
Cowling Circular
via Keighley Moor, The Hitching Stone, Wainman's Pinnacle and Lund’s Tower
From the 08.54 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Keighley

(bus out from and back to Keighley)
10 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Grassington Circular
via Yarnbury and Hebden
From the 08.25 Leeds to Skipton train
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
8 miles Easy
October 2025
DATE
ROUTE
BOOKING DETAILS
LENGTH/GRADE
04 Oct
Dent to Ribblehead
via the Tarns and Whernside
From the 07.48 Leeds to Carlisle train
Book and alight Dent - return Ribblehead
14 miles Strenuous
Bingley to Ilkley
via East Morton, Keighley Gate and Ilkley Moor
Book and alight Bingley - return Ilkley 10 miles Moderate
11 Oct
Lazonby Circular
via Kirkoswald and Raven Beck
Book, alight and return Lazonby
LATE TRAIN RETURN
11 miles Moderate
Bare Lane to Carnforth
via Hest Bank
From the 10.19 Leeds to Morecambe train Book and alight Bare Lane - return Carnforth 7 miles Easy
18 Oct
Dent to Ribblehead
via Newby Head
Book and alight Dent - return Ribblehead 10 miles Moderate
25 Oct
Settle Circular
via Catrigg Force, Smearsett Scar and Giggleswick Scar
Book, alight and return Settle 13 miles Moderate/ Strenuous
Clitheroe Hospital to Chatburn
via Bradford Bridge and Grindleton
Book, alight and return Skipton
(bus out from and back to Skipton)
6 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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