Lancashire, N Yorkshire
97 km / 60 miles
Rail to Trail Walk is a series of 12 self-guided walks along the along western part of the Bentham Line, named after the market town of High Bentham. The walks combine into a 60 mile linear walk from Morecambe to Skipton along the route with a link route into Lancaster.
The Bentham Line (Leeds to Lancaster & Morecambe) provides access to spectacular scenery, so why not combine a trip on the line with a self-guided walk in the surrounding Lancashire and Yorkshire countryside. The walks, a number of which follow ancient paths, offer the opportunity to explore the Lune, Wenning, Ribble and Aire valleys and pass through many villages each with their own unique charm and character. The programme of walks has been designed to appeal both to the experienced walker and to the leisure walker who enjoys a varied but not too demanding walk. The easier walks may be attempted by families with children.
The collection of self-guided walks from station to station along the Bentham Line from Heysham Port to Skipton can be downloaded from the link below: visit the Rail to Trail page on the Bentham Line pages of the website for more details.
The Bentham Line (Leeds to Lancaster & Morecambe) often referred to as the 'Little North Western' is a gem of a line but it is often eclipsed by its more well known neighbour the Settle Carlisle line. Crossing three rivers the Lune, Wenning and Ribble, the line is picturesque with views to the Dales, Ingleborough and towards the Forest of Bowland. From Morecambe the line passes through Bare Lane on its way to the historic town of Lancaster. Carnforth is also the junction for trains to the Furness area and Barrow in Furness and the line crosses the River Lune before reaching Wennington. From there it is a short distance to High Bentham close to the banks of the Wenning, a good centre to explore the area only three miles from Ingleton and its famous caves and waterfalls very close to the three peaks. Both Clapham and Giggleswick are on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and are a good starting point for walks. From Giggleswick the line joins the main Settle Carlisle route for the journey into Skipton, Keighley and Leeds.
The Bentham Line has a community rail partnership (the Leeds, Lancaster & Morecambe CRP) and has been granted designation by the Department for Transport under the Government's Community Rail Strategy.
Details:
| Path Type: |
Other Paths |
| Attributes: |
Other Paths
Average Gradients
Railway
|
| Start: |
SD402600 -
Heysham Rail Station, Lancashire
|
| Finish: |
SD983513 -
Skipton Rail Station, N Yorkshire
|
| Web Sites: |
Community Rail Lancashire - Rail to Trail
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