Ribblehead Viaduct
Ribblehead Viaduct
4.5
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- John SChorley, United Kingdom280 contributionsGreat structure to visitSeen it loads of times on tv, we visited whilst in the area. What an amazing structure. Designed and built by John Sydney Crossley in 1869. Well worth a visit. Parked in car park just off the road. Viaduct is located just a short (flat) walk from the road. Pub located nearby on main road.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 24, 2024
- susan m4 contributionsRemire village pubNot an extensive menu however all the usual items are there. It was well priced. Portions were good too. However it was busy so I would recommend booking particularly on a Friday evening. They have happy hour 5-7 pm on Fridays so it’s 30% off drinks We’ll happily returnVisited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2024
- machinmadYaxley, United Kingdom2,676 contributionsStunning vistas ...We did a fantastic 2hr walk out and round this iconic structure. That provided stunning views of this monument from all angles. Paths are good in the area and well signed. Fortunately we had good weather to enjoy this engineering marvel. If you get the chance, following the long route round to really appreciate the scenery of this beautiful part of England.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 28, 2024
- Stuart_Away_AgainCambridge, United Kingdom891 contributionsSpectacularAmazing Victorian structure which appears at no notice as you approach. Plentiful parking for vehicles and clearly marked pathways allowing visitors to get up and close to the arches. Trails along railway are well maintained. Try the railway station with its small tea room and visitors centre - very well presented.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 12, 2024
- IpswichDanIpswich, United Kingdom629 contributionsMiddle of Nowhere!Great structure, looking a bit mysterious on a misty day. Public parking on the road nearby, but otherwise no real facilities that are close. Disappointed to find the small visitor centre shut, but there are a few signs close to the viaduct.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 5, 2024
- MikeGlossop, United Kingdom1,473 contributionsWindsweptCaught the train to Ribblehead on a cold February Friday. Stopped to warm up in the welcoming Station Inn (opens at 10.00am) and went for a walk over to Dent. Fantastic views, but make sure you dress warmly as the weather up here can be extreme.Visited February 2025Traveled soloWritten February 7, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
739 reviews
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Mark
Amersham, UK1,930 contributions
Jul 2023
This is a bit of a drive north from Settle but well worth it. Out onto the moor at the head of the Ribble Valley you come across Ribblehead Station and this magnificent viaduct.
It was restored several years ago and now there is a regular service on the route.
Its a nice walk across the moorland to the viaduct where you can get up close to the piers and admire the fantastic engineering and the fabulous views of the mountains around.
Its a lovely walk, and well worth a visit.
It was restored several years ago and now there is a regular service on the route.
Its a nice walk across the moorland to the viaduct where you can get up close to the piers and admire the fantastic engineering and the fabulous views of the mountains around.
Its a lovely walk, and well worth a visit.
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew B
Kent, UK8 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Finally satisfied my desire to visit this iconic landmark. From first discovering this feat of railway civil engineering, I've waited over 50 years to visit the Ribblehead viaduct. My only wish was to see and photograph a steam engine powering over this mighty structure. Instead, a 3 car DMU had to suffice. Maybe next time ....
Written June 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray N
Bury St. Edmunds, UK1,274 contributions
Mar 2022
I had wanted to visit this viaduct for a while now and my visit did not disappoint. Firstly the wather was excellent. I arrived by train at the local Ribblehead station and after a 15 minute walk I was under the viaduct. There is a circular walk you can do but I just walked to the viaduct and then up to Blea Moor signal box and then back to the viaduct. For refreshments I called in at the nearby Station Inn. The cafe at the railway station is open between April and October only.
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewart C
Chatham, UK1,105 contributions
Jul 2022
We visited Ribblehead viaduct whilst on a one day visit to the Settle & Carlisle railway on a Sunday in July, we had travelled here by train from Carlisle. Our primary reason for coming to Ribblehead was to undertake the 2.5 mile guided walk around and under the Ribblehead viaduct here but as chance would have it, there was a steam hauled special train coming through on the same day.
The 440 yards long viaduct cannot fail to impress with its 24 stone arches carrying the Settle & Carlisle line up to 104 feet above the Ribble valley. To appreciate the structure it is necessary to view it from the surrounding farmland and the visitor can walk up to and under the viaduct and marvel at its sheer physical presentence. Spare a thought for the engineers who constructed structures like this in some of the most challenging landscape in England.
At the foot of the viaduct there is a memorial stone commemorating the renovation of the bridge and this shows a 20th century construction worker shaking hands with his 19th century counterpart.
The 440 yards long viaduct cannot fail to impress with its 24 stone arches carrying the Settle & Carlisle line up to 104 feet above the Ribble valley. To appreciate the structure it is necessary to view it from the surrounding farmland and the visitor can walk up to and under the viaduct and marvel at its sheer physical presentence. Spare a thought for the engineers who constructed structures like this in some of the most challenging landscape in England.
At the foot of the viaduct there is a memorial stone commemorating the renovation of the bridge and this shows a 20th century construction worker shaking hands with his 19th century counterpart.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
legend187
Colchester, UK471 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This place is in the middle of nowhere, where even the phone signal gives up. Plenty of parking along the sides of the road, and a quiet stroll to the impressive, imposing viaduct. There are information boards around to understand the history and sacrifice involved in building this structure.
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate F
174 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Built in 1875, this viaduct is amazing in any weather, from underneath or over the top in a train from Settle. There is plenty of car parking and a vey easy track up to the viaduct. There are also memorials to those that built it and renovated it.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Felixstowe2016
Felixstowe, UK6,970 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Construction began in late 1869. It necessitated a large workforce, up to 2,300 men, most of whom lived in shanty towns set up near its base. Over 100 men lost their lives during its construction.
Written October 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lodgers The
London, UK110 contributions
Aug 2022
Free parking available on the main road, close by. Walk to the viaduct is very easy to follow, with a gravel path. There are a few information boards, but other than that you just admire the view and marvel at this wonderful structure. There are way marked routes in different directions, so you can make more of a hike if you feel inclined. You can go right under the viaduct, and continue on a path or walk to the side and get more of a view on the upper edge. There is a pub very close (walking distance), but we didn't visit it.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ritikamital
Leeds, UK316 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
The gorgeous view of the viaduct is aa pretty in person as in the pictures .
10 mins away from the White Scar Caves, the viaduct is a sight to watch !
It was pouring cats and dogs when I visited and hence the photos aren't that great, but had it been slightly more sunny, and this could be your next wallpaper.
Highly recommend this free to access spot located at a 5 min walk from the Ribblehead railway station.
There's plenty of cafes in and around for you to grab a nice cuppa
10 mins away from the White Scar Caves, the viaduct is a sight to watch !
It was pouring cats and dogs when I visited and hence the photos aren't that great, but had it been slightly more sunny, and this could be your next wallpaper.
Highly recommend this free to access spot located at a 5 min walk from the Ribblehead railway station.
There's plenty of cafes in and around for you to grab a nice cuppa
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jasowl
Sheffield, UK948 contributions
Oct 2020
Well worth the short drive from Ingleton. I only made a flying visit but despite being mid-October the area was very busy. The viaduct is a tribute to ingenuity of man and celebrates its 150th birthday this year. A real architectural gem and a visit is recommended, particularly if you can access by train and alight at the small station and enjoy a drink in the local pub, prior or post the short walk to the structure.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is apub just up the road so if you had a drink you would have access to toilets
Written April 14, 2022
Are you able to get on top with the rails? Or walk along side it, Obviously during a time when no trains are actively due, scouting photography locations and I feel I could get some amazing landscape and portrait shots up top.
Written October 26, 2020
When does the next steam train go over the ribblehead viaduct
Written September 18, 2020
Hi
I’m not sure when they run but this might help
Settle-carlislerailway website
Written September 18, 2020
Is there a daily schedule for steam train going across the viaduct?
Written August 12, 2019
Hi, West Coast Railways run regular excursions over the Settle Carlisle line, check out their website for more details.
Written August 14, 2019
Where is the best place to park to walk here please? Thanks in advance
Written August 11, 2019
I stopped in a little lay by, I think there were a few and got a great view. There is also a little carpark with a bunch of spaces just a little further on ( I can’t recall which direction I was travelling in) and we could then leave the car, cross the road and walk across closer to it.
Written August 12, 2019
No, its a private road to the signal box but its ok for electric wheelchairs
Written December 16, 2017
robinburns99
Vancouver, Canada
how many tracks across the viaduct -- one or two?
Written August 29, 2017
Looks like you've got your answer already
Written August 30, 2017
robinburns99
Vancouver, Canada
how many tracks across the viaduct -- one o rtwo?
Written August 29, 2017
Originally there were two tracks over the viaduct, but during repair and reconstruction this has been reduced to a single track, reverting to double at each end of the structure. Ruth.
Written August 29, 2017
Hi all,
As a keen photographer, I would love to get photo of a steam train over this stunning location.
Is there some kind of website where you can track when the train leaves its station or stops on the way to this viaduct?
And does anyone know of the best location/route to get there?
Thank you.
Written July 19, 2017
Type in Settle to Carlisle steam train into google and it'll give you the website and you can find all the information on there. You can get right up near the track if you walk up the hill at the viaduct, you can get some great views for photography. Good luck.
Written July 20, 2017
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