R2S Archive 2012 - 2018
ride2stride
Walks 2017
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.
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:
Appleby
Castle Tour
Wednesday, April 26, 10.46, Appleby (2 miles, Easy).
£6.00.
Back by popular demand - join a very special Festival event with a guided tour of Appleby Castle.
Meet at Appleby Station, or at the Tourist Information Centre for the 1 hour guided tour. There is a £6 fee payable for the Castle Tour.
The tour is followed by a short easy guided walk around the historic Appleby Town centre.
Jericho Shanty Town Experience.
Thursday April 27, 12.02, Ribblehead
(2 miles, Easy)
Meet at the Ribblehead Visitor Centre for a talk about the shanty towns followed by a short walk to the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct to hear how the railway was built and how the navvies lived and worked. Return to the station for a train journey to Garsdale (fare payable) passing the sites of the shanty towns. Return on the 15.13 to Ribblehead or Leeds. Please bring a packed lunch and waterproof clothing. The event is not suitable for people with limited mobility. No booking necessary.
For further information http://sandctrust.org.uk/Jericho or email ruth.evans@settle-carlisle.com or phone 01574 811 492
Behind the Scenes at Settle Water
Tower and Signal Box.
Tuesday April 25, 09.50, Settle (0.5 miles, Easy)
Join guided tours of the restored Water Tower and Signal Box at 10.00, 10.30 and 11.00. Limited space so 10 per tour – first come, first served. Finishes in time to join the moderate walk to Giggleswick Chapel.
Walk grades
Walks are graded according to the level of effort required and the difficulty of the terrain. Please note - this is hilly country and ALL walks are likely to involve some climbs. 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:
Highway to Ancient Woodland
Monday, May 1, 10.44, Settle (5.5
miles).
A moderately easy circular walk with a steep climb through Settle onto the old highway to Cleatop Park ancient woodland. Features include Settle history, limestone scenery, distant views, conservation measures and beautiful woods. Return on field paths and lanes.
A National Park event led by Dales volunteers.
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:
Viaducts and Verse
Thursday, Apr 27, 10.34, Kirkby Stephen (6 miles)
Join this leisurely 6 mile walk led by Mark Corner, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales Society. It starts at Kirkby Stephen railway station and visits the vicinity of Wharton Hall and the location of an impressive ancient oak tree. From there we head to the stunning Stenkrith Park and the "Devil's Mustard Mill" gorge before a stroll along the a disused railway line over two viaducts close to the village of Hartley before visiting the charming market town of Kirkby Stephen. After lunch there we follow the River Eden and join the Poetry Path, a celebration of the hill farmer's ancient and enduring relationship with the stunning landscape in and around Cumbria's upper Eden Valley, before returning to the station. For those wishing to stay in Kirkby Stephen for the 16:00 music event they can return to the town after the Poetry Path rather than heading for the station.
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:
Kirkby Stephen to Garsdale via Swarth Fell and Wild Boar
Fell
Friday, Apr 28, 10.34, Kirkby Stephen (14 miles).
This very strenuous walk above Mallerstang will take you over Wild Boar Fell, one of the Yorkshire Dales most remote fells. Finish at Garsdale with the welcome option of heading for the Moorcock Inn to enjoy the music!
Whilst walk leaders take every care, your comfort and safety are your own responsibility.