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Walking the Ribble Way

A one-week walk across Lancashire into Yorkshire from Preston to the source

Guidebook to walking the Ribble Way, a 72 mile route following the Ribble valley, from the estuary mouth near Preston to the river's source on Cam Fell in the Yorkshire Dales. The book contains OS map extracts and full route description split into 7 convenient stages, with suggestions for day walkers.

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'
ISBN
9781786310910
Availability
Published
Published
26 Jun 2023
Edition
Second
Pages
112
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x .65cm
Weight
140g
Overview

A guidebook to walking the Ribble Way between the estuary mouth near Preston and the Ribble river's source on Cam Fell in the Yorkshire Dales. Covering 116km (72 miles), this long-distance trail across Lancashire and Yorkshire takes 1 week to hike and is suitable for walkers of most abilities.

The route is described from south to north in 7 stages, each between 13 and 27km (8–17 miles) in length. Notes for day walkers are also provided including public transport access for all route stages.

  • 1:50,000 OS maps included for each stage
  • GPX files available to download
  • Detailed information on facilities on the route
  • Advice on planning and preparation

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Dennis Kelsall Cicerone author KELSAL

By Dennis Kelsall

Dennis and Jan Kelsall have long held a passion for countryside and hill walking. Since their first Cicerone title was published in 1995, they have written, contributed and illustrated over 50 guides to some of Britain’s most popular walking areas and have become regular contributors to various outdoor magazines. Their enjoyment of the countryside extends far beyond a love of fresh air, open spaces and scenery. Over the years Dennis and Jan have developed a wider interest in the environment, its geology and wildlife, as well as an enthusiasm for delving into local history, which so often provides clues to interpreting the landscape.

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Jan Kelsall Cicerone author Kelsall J

By Jan Kelsall

Dennis and Jan Kelsall have long held a passion for countryside and hill walking. Since their first Cicerone title was published in 1995, they have written around 35 guides to some of Britain’s most popular walking areas and have become regular contributors to various outdoor magazines. Their enjoyment of the countryside extends far beyond a love of fresh air, open spaces and scenery. Over the years Dennis and Jan have developed a wider interest in the environment, its geology and wildlife, as well as an enthusiasm for delving into local history, which so often provides clues to interpreting the landscape.

View author profile