Jonathan Powell, Leeds, UK

A walk in the Dales by train - from Dent station to Ribblehead

The Settle to Carlisle railway is a beautiful journey and a great benefit to hikers like me who don't have a car. This walk from Dent station to Ribblehead takes in some wonderful views, passes through varied scenery (moorland, forests and alongside idylic streams) and is an area far less travelled than those of Ribblesdale and the Three Peaks. We did this journey on a gloriously sunny Saturday in late June and could count the number of groups we passed on one hand.

Distance: 9.5 miles.
Fairly easy terrain, some steep hills.
View Dent Station to Ribblehead in a larger map

Route:

1. From Dent station, turn right up the hill away from the valley.
2. After about a mile you will see a gate to your right. Leaving the road, pass through this gate. Continue along the farm track for just over 2 miles. The trail continues on the same altitude round the side of Great Knoutberry hill. There is a less travelled trail here which takes you to the summit should you want a little more strenuous detour.
3. The trail starts to descend as you enter Artengill Beck, where you meet the trail between Dentdale and Hawes. Take a right downhill towards the viaduct.
4. Pass under the viaduct and carry on past the old farmhouse buildings to the main road and the bridge. Take a left up the valley, walking with the river Dent to on your right.
5. After about a mile you will see a grass-covered bridge over the river. Take a right here over the bridge and follow the path uphill. You will end up on a stretch of open moorland, with views of the viaduct.
6. Follow the path down and enter a farmyard. Continue through the farm, taking a right turn. Don't menace the free-roaming turkey.
7. After exiting the farmyard you will cross the stream and head up to the railway tunnel entrance. This is the start of the 2nd incline.
8. The path takes you over the tunnel entrance and up into the forest. Half way through the forest you will see a large flight of woodland steps which will take you up to Blea Moor. Half way uphill you will exit the forest and see the first of 3 or 4 of the tunnel's air shafts.
9. Continue up and over Blea moor in a straight line, finally rounding the crest of the hill and descending into Little Dale with Whernside on your right and Ingleborough ahead of you. Continue along the track until it merges with a wide, well-travelled path, part of the Three Peaks walk.
10. With the tunnel exit and train track to your right, it's easy walking all the way to Ribblehead Viaduct from hereon.
11. Enjoy a pint at the pub and wait for the train to take you home.

Tips: If you're dependent on trains, it's inadvisable to do this walk on a Sunday as there are only three services. We did this walk on a Saturday and it gave us about 6 hours between departing the train at Dent and boarding the train home at Ribblehead, plenty enough time for a lazy picnic lunch by the river in Dentdale and a congratulatory pint in the pub at the end of the route.