Article · 19 Jun 2023
Walking the Ribble Way
A one-week walk across Lancashire into Yorkshire from Preston to the source
By Dennis Kelsall, Jan Kelsall
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
-
The 72 mile (116km) Ribble Way is described in seven stages, ranging from 8.25 to 17 miles (13.3 to 27.4km). The route follows the Ribble valley, from the estuary mouth near Preston to the river's source on Cam Fell in the Yorkshire Dales. The route might not be the most challenging of Long Distance routes, but the contrast through a succession of different landscapes can be immensely satisfying for novice and experienced walkers alike.
The guide provides detailed route descriptions, OS mapping and a route summary table, with variants included for day walkers. Information is included on points of interest along the route, plus there's also background information on the landscape, wildlife, and history, and planning details on when to go, where to stay and what to take.
The River Ribble springs from the limestone of the Yorkshire Dales, high on Cam Fell in the heart of Three Peak country. Initially forcing a passage between high, rugged moorland hills, it then breaks free to wind through gentler countryside south of Settle, meandering lazily through alternating pasture and ancient woodland, where old manor houses and early 18th-century village cottages still hold sway against the pervasive tide of modernity. Beyond Preston, the river dramatically changes yet again, trained to run straight to the Irish Sea, but further to the west, a vast expanse of the salt marsh still remains and attracts huge populations of birds, particularly in winter.
-
Table of Contents
-
Updates
-
Reviews
-
Downloads
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.
View author profile
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
