Discover the Ribble Way, a captivating long-distance walk that follows the full course of the River Ribble, from the Lancashire coast to its remote source in the Yorkshire Dales. Spanning 72 miles (116km), the Ribble Way invites walkers of all abilities to experience the rich diversity of northwest England’s landscapes, wildlife, and historic villages.

Ideal for both first-time long-distance walkers and seasoned ramblers, the Ribble Way can be completed within a week or enjoyed in shorter day walks, thanks to excellent public transport links and flexible route options. The comprehensive Cicerone guidebook breaks the journey into seven manageable stages. Nature lovers will delight in the Ribble Valley’s abundant flora and fauna: from bluebells in the woods to winter flocks of geese in the marshes, the riverbanks attract kingfishers and herons year-round, while the hills offer sweeping views over Pendle and Bowland.

• Detailed stage-by-stage descriptions covering the full 72-mile route from Longton to the Ribble’s source on Cam Fell, plus suggested variants and circular walks for day walkers.
• Along the way, you’ll pass through attractive villages such as Ribchester and Horton in Ribblesdale, and cross iconic bridges like Penwortham, Brungerley, and Gisburn, before reaching the wild fells and dramatic limestone scenery at the river’s source on Cam Fell.
• Route summary tables, detailed distance and terrain information, and facilities are provided for each stage of the Ribble Way, from Longton to Cam Fell.
• Extracts from 1:50,000 OS Landranger maps, elevation profiles, and GPX files make it easy for walkers to navigate the Ribble Way’s varied terrain and confidently plan each stage.
• Contains advice on planning, transport, accommodation, and access, such as baggage transfer, parking options, bus and train connections, or local facilities, so you can make the most of the Ribble Way, with start and finish points accessible by public transport.
• Includes information on historical features, local heritage, and points of interest such as the tranquil marshes near Longton, the historic village of Ribchester, the picturesque bridges at Penwortham, Brungerley, and Gisburn, and the final ascent to the Ribble’s wild upland source near Ribblehead.

Plan your Ribble Way adventure with confidence and experience one of England’s most varied and beautiful river valleys with the definitive Cicerone guidebook.

Author Highlight

“At around 72 miles (116km) the Ribble Way is one of the country’s shorter ‘long-distance’ walks, and thus an ideal choice for newcomers to long-distance walking. It runs through countryside for virtually its entire length, but the path is rarely far from ‘civilisation’, and only in its higher reaches does it pass through a wild landscape. For the most part it is gently pastoral, although this does not mean that the challenge it offers should be underestimated. Countryside walking can be as physically demanding as hillwalking, particularly after heavy rain or during the summer at the climax of vegetation growth. Substantial boots, waterproofs, appropriate clothing and a comfortable pack are necessities, and gaiters are indispensable on wet days."

- Dennis and Jan Kelsall, authors of Walking the Ribble Way

CONTENTS

Route summary table

Route symbols on OS map extracts

Introduction

The Ribble Way

Landscape

Industry

Wildlife

Practicalities

Navigation

Using this guide

The Ribble Way

Stage 1 Longton to Penwortham Bridge

Stage 2 Penwortham Bridge to Ribchester

Stage 3 Ribchester to Brungerley Bridge

Stage 4 Brungerley Bridge to Gisburn Bridge

Stage 5 Gisburn Bridge to Settle

Stage 6 Settle to Horton in Ribblesdale

Stage 7 Horton in Ribblesdale to the Ribble’s source (and return to Ribblehead)

Appendix A Useful information

Seasons

Spring flowers and autumn leaves accentuate landscape colours, while summer can be idyllic. Winters are generally mild, but frost and snow can cloak the higher reaches. From choice, avoid prolonged wet spells, which brings mud and occasional flooding.

Centres

The riverain route largely avoids the sprawling Preston conurbation, but small towns and villages are attractive and conveniently spaced along or close to the path. In the largest, Clitheroe and Settle, you'll find useful shops, while in others there's usually at least a pub. Stop over a day at any, particularly Horton in Ribblesdale, to discover interesting loops from the main trail.

Difficulty

Nowhere is the walking or navigation technically difficult or gradients particularly daunting, so general fitness and stamina is normally sufficient. The potential for changeable weather means good walking boots, comfortable sac, effective waterproofs and appropriate clothing are essential. Don't forget the relevant OS Explorer maps and compass and possibly a GPS and walking poles.

Must See

river paths, beautiful countryside, quiet tracks and lanes, wooded cloughs; enticing views to the surrounding hills of Pendle, Bowland and the western Dales; all the villages along the way are worth exploring; Pendle Hill and the history of the Pendle Witches; Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent, two of the famous Yorkshire 'Three Peaks'

September 2024

Temporary footpath closure at Red Scar/solar farm

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