Ribblehead Viaduct
Location - Ribblehead Viaduct, Carnforth, North Yorkshire, LA6 3AU
Distance (around) - varying depending on track
Terrain - Various; there is a road, it can be quite bumpy and if physically able it is possible to walk Whernside.
Stars (out of 5) - 5
Points to note -
Parking is available on the road side and small car park
No toilet facilities
No entry fee, it is open to anyone
No fully equipped eating places, there is a van which does bacon sandwiches and ice cream van
Lots of fields for dogs to run, but keep in mind wildlife
Designed by John Sydney Crossley and built in the 1870’s Ribblehead Viaduct is an imposing viaduct from Settle to Carlisle across Batty Moss in North Yorkshire, it has been one of my ‘bucket list’ places to visit for years (we travelled over the viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle steam train some years ago, but seeing it from below is a whole new experience). The area we visited is a viewing point and just by Whernside, one of Yorkshire's 3 Peaks. The roads on the way are very winding and up in the countryside, where you can see fields and sheep for miles, but suddenly, the viaduct appears and is just as wonderful as expected!
There were lots of visitors, some walkers, some bikers riding round and several sheep. We parked on the roadside, and although cars passed, it wasn’t overly busy, they were considerate and allowed you to move around quite reasonably, however there is a carpark, just no spaces when we arrived. From where we parked there was a road to cross, dogs must be kept on a lead as the road can have fast passing cars, the surface is rather bumpy and takes some planning, although there is a drop kerb on either side, it just might take some looking for and negotiating. We then went up the thin dusty path - which is likely to get quite muddy in the winter - to the road leading up to the viaduct, which is small stones so uneven under foot, but my scooter could manage quite well.
We were able to walk right up to stand underneath the arches of the viaduct, with Betty remaining on the lead and able to wander back and forth at her own pace. There are lots of people around as Whernside is a tourist destination for keen walkers, although not accessible for a scooter, so there were lots of people coming and going as they started or completed their walk. Going under the viaduct there is a path, but we didn’t travel down it - no reason other than we decided not to - it does look like a reasonable surface, but not sure where you end up.
You can spend as long or as little as you like at the viaduct, we took a picnic and sat in a nearby field to eat whilst Betty had a roam around (on lead), we just wanted to sit and admire the view.
Tip - take a picnic.
