R2S Archive 2012 - 2018

Ride2Stride - the Settle-Carlisle Walking Festival

ride2stride

Walks 2013

Every day of the festival there are a number of walks on offer, all leaving from stations along the line.

The walks are organised by different groups, each one led by an experienced walk leader.

Most start directly from the station, where you will be met from the train by your walk leader.

A few walks include a bus ride, to extend the range of the walks (marked *b - an additional fare is payable).

The walks are graded according to the effort required and the difficulty of the terrain - see examples opposite.

In each case you should arrive properly prepared with good walking boots and clothes (including waterproofs) and enough food and drink for a full day.

Guided walks

There are also some easy guided walks for you to enjoy:

Settle Town Trail
Tuesday, April 30, 09.51, Settle (2 miles, Easy).

Kick off the Festival with a short walk around old Settle with Rhona Thornton, taking in the market place with its curious buildings - the Naked Man and the Shambles - and the 17th century Folly. The walk includes a short steep climb up Constitution Hill.
The Shambles, Settle
A guided tour of Ribblehead Viaduct
Wednesday May 1, 10.25, Ribblehead (3 miles, Easy)
& Saturday May 4, 10.25 & 14.50, Ribblehead (3 miles, Easy)
& Monday May 6, 10.25, Ribblehead (3 miles, Easy)

The Ribblehead Viaduct is the highlight of the route with its magnificent 24 arches spanning Batty Moss over 100 ft below. Join the Ribblehead Tour to look at the archaeological sites and history of the Viaduct. Hear how the navvies lived and built this tremendous structure with assistance from steam cranes and muscle power. Places visited will include the site of Batty Green shanty town including the site of the hospital, the narrow-gauge tramway, the maintenance shed for the steam locomotives, the brickworks, lime kilns, the stone-sorting area and the Viaduct itself.
There's an optional extended tour (5 miles, approx 4½ hours) of the Ribblehead Viaduct site and a visit to the Force Gill aquaduct from where the entrance to Blea Moor Tunnel can be viewed - bring a packed lunch - Moderate.
Meet at the Ribblehead Station Heritage Centre.
Please note - there is a charge of £3.00 for non rail users joining these tours.

Ribblehead Viaduct

 

Walk grades

Walks are graded according to the level of effort required and the difficulty of the terrain. If in doubt, try an easy walk first.

EASY - Leisurely walks with regular stops for viewing & refreshment. Any climbs will be of modest gradient & length.

EXAMPLE:
Wigglesworth Wader Walk
Thursday, May 2, 09.44, Long Preston (5 miles).
Join Adrian Shepherd (RSPB) and David Tayler (YDMT) for a gentle circular walk from Long Preston on the Ribble floodplain viewing breeding wading birds. The area is fairly flat, though can be muddy and uneven in places.
Wetlands near Long Preston

MODERATE - These cater for the more experienced walkers. Expect a full day at a steady pace. You may well encounter steeper gradients & more difficult terrain.

EXAMPLE:
Ribblehead circular
Saturday, May 4, 12.02, Ribblehead (7 miles)
A circular walk via the tiny hamlet of Chapel-le-dale.
St Leonard's church, Chapel-le-dale

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.

EXAMPLE:
Pen-y-ghent
Sunday, May 5, 10.19, Horton-in-Ribblesdale (9 miles)
A circular walk from Horton-in-Ribblesdale via the summit of this iconic mountain. Very steep and long climb!
Penyghent

Whilst walk leaders take every care, your comfort and safety are your own responsibility.