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

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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