On the western side of the dales, Ribblesdale takes its name from the River Ribble. This area of North Yorkshire attracts walkers, cyclists, horse riders, cavers and potholers as well as families looking for a relaxing cottage break in wonderful countryside. And where better to stay than in the midst of all this splendid scenery and activities.
Horton in Ribblesdale is a well-known village to enthusiasts of walking and other outdoor pursuits. It’s a popular starting and finishing point for walkers on the Three Peaks Walk challenge. The three peaks in question are Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside. To do the whole route, it is 24.5 miles, with 5,000 feet of ascent. Of course, you don’t have to tackle all three! Other long distance walks are accessible from the village, namely The Pennine Way, Ribble Way and Dales Highway. Visitors can do sections of any of these walks or choose shorter routes in the area. St. Oswald’s Church, whose origins go back to the 12th century, is an attractive Grade 1 listed church with Norman features and is well worth a visit.
Steam railway enthusiasts will be familiar with the history of the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which can be accessed via Horton in Ribblesdale railway station, a small and well-maintained station (and at Settle station). The railway is said to offer one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK. One of the memorable views seen by passengers is the Three Peaks mentioned above.
Stainforth is a village most notable for its proximity to Stainforth Force, a waterfall on the River Ribble that’s known as a beauty spot and a place to witness salmon leaping the falls. Catrigg Force is another lovely waterfall and walking to it is a pleasant outing.
Settle is a popular destination for visitors, with its pubs, cafes and range of shops. In kind weather, taking a riverside walk here is very enjoyable. For something altogether more energetic, climbers come to Castleberg Rock, a limestone formation, described as a beauty spot that has attracted visitors since the mid-1700s. Settle is a market town with not one but two markets. Both markets run throughout the year on every Tuesday, with the exception of public holidays and stalls sell a great variety of goods including the best of locally produced food. A street market and an indoor market at Victoria Hall make market day a terrific day out.
For golfers visiting Ribblesdale, Settle Golf Club welcomes visitors to its small but challenging course. Its 9 holes offer terrific scenery as well as a good game. For angling enthusiasts, the area promises a good stock of grayling and trout and at certain times of the year, catching sea trout or salmon is a possibility, given the appropriate conditions.
If you want to stay in Ribblesdale to be on the spot, there are plenty of cottages and apartments to rent for a short break or longer. Ribblesdale is indeed an outdoors playground. If you want to see the landscape up close (or even underground), there are lots of opportunities. Alternatively, if you want to watch the world go by from a nice, cosy tearoom, you can do that too. Whether you see the scenery from the window of a steam train or through a rainbow in a waterfall, you will have fond memories of this beautiful valley and its villages.
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