SCRCA Heritage Hotspot 04: Ribblehead and Blea Moor

Practical Considerations

If you are considering a 'real world' visit to this area, please note the following:

• The structures between milepost 247 and the Station Master's House are all clearly visible from the station platforms or adjacent car-park.
• The former Station Master's House is now a holiday let. For further information, see https://settlecarlisletrust.org.uk/stay-at-a-station/.
• The former main station building now houses a museum dedicated to the Settle-Carlisle Railway and its construction during the late nineteenth century. The museum is operated by the Settle & Carlisle Railway Trust. For further information, see https://settlecarlisletrust.org.uk/ribblehead-visitor-centre/.
• The famous Ribblehead Viaduct is approximately half a mile from the station, but it can be seen in the distance from the station platforms and the station car-park.
• It is possible to walk to the viaduct by walking down the station drive, turning right along the B6255, turning left shortly after the cattle grid, then walking along the rough track (a public bridleway) to the foot of the viaduct. Please note that this area is very exposed and that the weather can change dramatically in just a few minutes, often with little or no warning.
• The landscape near the viaduct contains a large number of archaeological features associated with the construction of the railway (see Ribblehead Railway Construction Camp). However, many of these are located in rough ground well away from the public rights of way and the best way to visit them is by joining one of the Ribblehead Heritage Tours operated by the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line. (For further details, see https://www.foscl.org.uk/content/heritage-tours.)
• The structures beyond (to the north of) the viaduct can be seen from the public bridleway that follows the route of the railway. If you decide to explore beyond the viaduct, stout footwear, warm clothing and a windproof / waterproof jacket are ESSENTIAL (even on what seems to be a hot / sunny day). You are also strongly advised to carry (and know how to use) a suitable map & compass and to carry some food and drink. Please note that reaching the structures beyond the aqueduct will involve a strenuous climb up to the summit of Blea Moor, which should only be attempted by fit, healthy, experienced and properly equipped hill walkers.
• Do NOT rely on mobile phone coverage: the area is not covered by all networks and, in some areas, signal reception can range from poor to none existent.
• Useful information for rail-passengers (e.g. details of station facilities, fares and train times) can be obtained from the following:
  • The infrastructure providor (Network Rail):
    http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/RHD/details.html
  • The train operator (Northern):
    https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/RHD

Bearing in mind all of the above, the area is well worth a visit (although preferably in good weather).