The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the nation's most idyllic scenery and can be summed up in one word: sublime. Within the rolling hills and deep valleys rests some of the North of England’s favourite and most adventurous destinations. From mountain biking to caving, the Dales will be sure to cater to every intrepid fibre in your body.
From Ribblehead to Victoria Cave, the Dales offer a whole host of different adventures for you and your family to embark on. With so much to do across 2,000 km2 of forests, hills and valleys, you’ll struggle to fit everything into one itinerary, so why not head over and over and over with Northern? With regular trains to the Dales, including our new Yorkshire Dales Explorer, you don’t have to worry about planning around us; just hop on and go adventuring!
Ribblehead Viaduct
Nearest station: Ribblehead
The top pick for any first-time traveller to the Dales, the Ribblehead Viaduct is a must-see from the ground or from one of our trains on the Settle-Carlisle line. Still in use as a railway line, the viaduct crosses 400 metres of moor and is 32 metres high with massive stone arches supporting the grade ll listed building.
Built by hundreds of navvies (builders) this feat of engineering has multiple memorials nearby and along it to commemorate the lives lost from fights, smallpox and accidents when building the viaduct.
A great option for a walk or as a lookout over the moor as you travel by train, the viaduct provides the perfect blend between human-made beauty and the sublime of nature.
Experience the beauty with Northern and our cheaper same-day tickets, meaning you can take a spur-of-the-moment trip to embrace our magnificent country.
Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent
Nearest station: Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Getting off just before the viaduct will land you in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and right beside one of the most iconic fells in England: Pen-y-ghent. Many people’s first peak in the Yorkshire three peaks, the circuit involves a 6-mile walk with fantastic scenery all around, including the Hunt and Hull Pots on the way down.
Reaching a peak of 694 metres, Pen-y-ghent offers a slightly challenging but highly rewarding walk across one of the Dales’ most popular areas. The route is also dog-friendly, however, it is important to keep an eye on any animals as the area is still farmland and being worked by farmers in the area.
Get your walking boots and stomp over to the station at any time you like with an anytime ticket from Northern, letting you decide your schedule.
Yorkshire Dales Explorer
Explore the Yorkshire Dales easily with the Yorkshire Dales Explorer route. This new Saturday service connects Rochdale, Manchester, Salford, Bolton and Clitheroe with Settle and the Yorkshire Dales.The route ends at Ribblehead Station, which is the perfect ...
Visit the Yorkshire DalesMountain Biking Over the Stake
Nearest station: Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Looking for something a little more exhilarating than walking? Then why not try mountain biking from the circuit start in Horton-in-Ribblesdale which heads over the Stake and offers a challenging and scenic route for you to follow.
Starting in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, there’s the chance for good pub food and a quick energy refill at any of the eateries in town to invigorate you for the 37-mile course that climbs over 1000 metres in elevation.
Plan a great weekend with Northern and Horton-in-Ribblesdale and get travel sorted early with Northern’s cheaper advanced tickets.
Victoria Cave and Jubilee Cave
Nearest station: Settle
These two caves offer both shelter and a wonderful glimpse into the past, with the walls of these caves dating back hundreds of thousands of years ago. Both have been sites of archaeological discoveries, with most of the groundbreaking work being conducted in Victoria Cave.
A limestone cave, Victoria Cave has had every manner of archaeological find within its storied cavern. From hippo, elephant and rhino bones to Roman artefacts like brooches, the cave has seen it all.
Along with the important archaeological finds within both caverns, they are also great places to take kids due to the awe-inspiring cave walls formed by Mother Nature herself, as well as some fantastic spots looking out over the Dales.
A great day out for the family, with the town of Settle right nearby, caving in the Dales is a great way to get outdoors with the kids. Make travel easier and cheaper with a Northern family ticket.
Craven Museum
Nearest station: Skipton
If the archaeological finds in the caves piqued your interest, then a trip to the Craven Museum in Skipton would be the next best stop for you. Holding a variety of the Roman artefacts found in Victoria Cave, Craven Museum is a 
free-to-enter museum with a whole host of other important historical items like Shakespeare’s first Folio of plays.
The museum also offers a range of limited exhibitions that include work from local artisans and artists to create a unique experience for those visiting. There is also a range of kids activities to get involved with as well as live shows like “Horrible Histories” often being performed.
The Craven Museum is the natural conclusion to a day in the Yorkshire Dales with fun for adults and kids alike. Travel with Northern and take you and yours to the Yorkshire Dales with cheaper Duo tickets.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.