Yorkshire Dales Explorer

Stations along the route

It usually takes around 2 and a half hours to travel the whole route from Rochdale to Ribblehead. Timings are shorter when joining from other stations along the route.

Rochdale

Castleton

Mills Hill

Moston

Manchester Victoria

Salford Central

Salford Crescent

Bolton

Hall I' Th' Wood

Bromley Cross

Darwen

Blackburn

Ramsgreave & Wilpshire

Langho

Whalley

Clitheroe

Hellifield

Settle

Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Ribblehead

How often and when do trains run?

Trains run on Saturdays only.

The first train depart the first station on the route, Rochdale, at 07:52. It then stops at the 18 stations in between, until it arrives at Ribblehead station at 10:19.

You can join the train at any station along the route.

Rochdale to Ribblehead

Departs 07:52 - Arrives 10:19

Departs 14:52 - Arrives 17:26

Ribblehead to Rochdale

Departs 11:08 - Arrives 13:29

Departs 18:05 - Arrives 20:29

Ticket details

How much do tickets cost?

A return ticket from Manchester Victoria will cost £25 per person.

The cost will vary depending on which stations on the route you choose to travel to and from, but here are a few examples:

• Manchester Victoria to Ribblehead - £25 per person (for an Off-Peak Day Return ticket)
• Rochdale to Ribblehead - £25.30 per person (for an Off-Peak Day Return ticket)

Where can I go with the ticket?

The new dedicated route allows direct travel from stations between Rochdale and Ribblehead when choosing the route ‘via Clitheroe’.

How to buy your ticket

You can purchase an Off-Peak Day Return or Anytime ticket in the following ways.

Online

The quickest way to purchase train tickets is on the Northern website or via the Northern App.

From Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at participating stations

The TVMs sell a range of tickets for popular destinations for immediate use and accept most credit/ debit cards. Check individual ticket restrictions when purchasing your ticket to be sure that it is valid for your journey.

From station ticket offices

You can buy the full range of tickets from staffed ticket offices. Ticket offices will accept all major credit/debit cards, cash, National Rail vouchers and rail warrants.

Can I use a railcard?

Railcard discounts are available on this service.

Learn more about Railcards

Terms and conditions

View the  Anytime train tickets page for full terms and conditions. 

How to buy via the Northern website

Enter your origin and destination stations from the list at the top of this page.

Follow this link to buy tickets

Choose a Same day return.

Make sure the date you choose is a Saturday.

Choose a departure time - the train timings are included at the top of the page.

Enter how many people are travelling and a railcard (if you have one).

Select the direct trains only.

Hit the "Get tickets now" button.

The train results will show on the next page, just follow the booking process through and you'll be ready to go!

How to buy via the Northern app

Open or download the Northern app.

Enter your origin and destination stations.

Choose the return option.

Enter the date of travel - make sure its a Saturday.

Add the number of travels and railcards (if relevant).

Select the "Our trains only" toggle.

Select "Go via" and type in "Clitheroe"".

Hit the "Search live times and prices" button.

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