Ribhor one

Verified Slow Way

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Three of us walked from Ribblehead to Horton on a warm summer's day which started overcast with a little drizzle but cleared to beautiful sunshine by the end of the day. I'm giving the route 5 stars because we all had such a wonderful time.

Both natural beauty and historical interest abound on this route which weaves from one side to the other of the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway and passes railway cottages, an old limekiln and a 17th century farmhouse as well as meadows and open land forming part of the Wild Ingleborough National Nature Reserve. Dry stone walls, limestone pavement and field barns are all key features of the route, which showcases Yorkshire's Three Peaks from the Ribble Valley between them. While best characterised as a valley walk enough height is gained to offer wonderful views.

I agree that the two short road sections were the least enjoyable though the drivers appeared all very considerate. We passed cows and bulls in places but all were very placid and took no notice of us at all. We had to climb one ladder stile, otherwise there were lots of gates.

The 2-mile descent into Horton was an absolute delight with Pen-y-Ghent ahead the whole time and the light constantly changing. Then over the last brow and suddenly Horton station was only a few yards ahead of us with the useful footbridge over the line now completed. Even better, the small cafe in Horton station was open for a welcome cold drink and ice cream.

Yes I'd walk this route again with great pleasure. Of course the weather helps!.

Some care required on the busy road from Ribblehead towards Selside. It's easy to miss the left turn on the edge of the access land at Bent Hill Rigg and simply follow the track through the fields and limestone pavement. There is a route through to Alum Pot from where a track leads east which rejoins the route SW of Selside. This track crosses private land and a £1 donation is suggested in the honesty box beside the gate.

I set off from the village of Horton on a warm, sunny (but not stifling) day. The view back to Pen-y-ghent was really impressive. The original level crossing at the station had been diverted to the other end of the platform while a new footbridge with lifts was being constructed. So, the route currently (like in the past) involves a level crossing, but won’t in the future.
The well-trodden path across the fields was very clear. There were gates, including one with a few steps up to it. The Ingleborough National Nature Reserve also had an obvious path although it was a bit stony and rough sometimes, and also had some stone paving across boggier areas. It was very nice though, with lots of wild flowers and moorland birds!
At the corner, there is no short-cut as indicated on the map, but in practice it was very easy to follow.
On leaving the Pennine Bridleway, there were several fields to cross (including one ladder stile), one of which contained a lot of cows and calves – and also a bull!! Fortunately, they all seemed to walk off in the opposite direction as though they were scared of me. I stuck near the edge of the field just in case though.
A short section of road, and some more fields brought me to a line of small limestone cliffs with a hidden gap leading to the higher path through wildflower meadows.
The final road section was not too bad, it was easy enough to use the verge when vehicles came past.
Right at the end, it was possible to cut the corner across grass, to arrive at the welcoming pub, with its grand view of the viaduct.
All very lovely, with views of all of the Three Peaks – and I even heard a cuckoo.

I walked this route from Ribblehead to Horton.

I started by taking the train to Ribblehead, then diverted north a bit to go visit the iconic viaduct!

Next, the route has a good long stretch along the B road headed south. This is also part of the 3 peaks challenge, so clearly people generally consider this route acceptable for walking. I found it fine, and traffic was relatively quiet on a Monday morning, but there were several stretches without much in the way of verges or shoulders, so it felt a bit exposed at parts.

The parts away from the road were really lovely. Lots of field walking with gorgeous views of the valley below. Especially the bit from the Outdoor Activity Centre to Horton was stunning. I definitely recommend this route, which has so much to offer!.

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