~Ribblehead to Dent Village~
24th November 2012
Very much a repeat of the walk of 11th August this year. A few subtle differences on the ground and a big difference in the sky. Wellies or Walking Boots? That is the question.
Blea Moor Tunnel
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
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Hellifield Railway Station |
Ribblehead Railway Station |
The Journey by Rail
I catch the 09:40 service for Carlisle from Hellifield. Back in August the train was full and numerous folk disembarked at Ribblehead; this time the carriages were less than half full and just three of us got off at our destination. Pluto the Dog is with me today. My first walk outside home territory for nearly a month.
Ribblehead Viaduct
Whernside is cloaked in layers of mist and cloud. There are no steam trains due today, so no camera-laden enthusiasts spoling the views!
Double Vision?
It looks as though the two walkers close to the camera have also left themselves a little further back. I think the season of Three Peaking must be over as far as walkers are concerned. I didn't see any muddy-trousered marchers.
Pluto
Blea Moor Signal Box
I'm sure I could be a signalman at Blea Moor, if ever the vacancy and need arose. You just pull a few levers every now and again.
Force Gill Aqueduct over the Settle-Carlisle Railway
Looking South Towards Ingleborough
I'm wearing walking boots. I remembered that the path up to Whernside is largely flagged and restored and so should present few problems despite the heavy rainfall of recent weeks.
To Whernside
The mist is layered and on the move, so hopefully there will be views from the summit.
Whernside Tarn
This is not one of those tarns where families gather and sit on rugs and eat their packed lunches.
Whernside Ascent
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Whernside Summit 2,415ft asl
It was rather cool and damp up here. It was decision time at just after noon. The only train I want to catch is the 15:49 from Ribblehead, but I have the option of walking either to Dent village or Dent Station and catching the train from the latter. The Dent option will more effectively fill the available time.
To Deepdale Lane
Basically a case of follow the wall, avoid the sink holes and soon enough we'll find Deepdale Lane.
Deepdale
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Deepdale Road |
Waterfall in Gastack Beck |
On Deepdale Road I had the choice of going over the stile and into Deepdale or following the tarmac. Given Pluto's freedom off the lead and the many sheep on view in the valley, I chose the tarmac. No cars came past and no boots got unreasonably muddy.
Into Deepdale from Willans (Farm)
I decided to chance a walk into Deepdale and along fields to Dyke Hall Lane. To be honest, I wish I hadn't bothered. Very muddy in places and plenty of stiles not suited to dogs.
River Dee
Now walking on a stretch of the Dales Way and heading for Dent Village. Here, from the right, Deepdale Beck flows into the River Dee.
Dent Village
The muddiest part of the walk was this final stretch into Dent. The riverside path is fenced away from the fields and therefore everyone is walking a very narrow track and it is grim!
Church Bridge, Dent
Spot The Dog!
The Dent Brewery at The George & Dragon Hotel in Dent. Dent is a great little village and is largely spared the litter of modern street furniture. I'd have thought it makes good sense not to park on the main street, but this couple thought otherwise. The dog is actually called "Spot", but well spotted nonetheless.
Dent
Stone Close Cafe (library photo)
Just time for a brew in Stone Close cafe. I have yet to reach the bottom of the main street where there is another cafe and one or two other points of interest. The bus, for the railway station, is due at 15:15hrs and I arrive here with fifteen minutes to spare.
Dent Railway Station
Dent Railway Station - in August
Last time, nearly 40 people waited for the train. This time it's five.
Another fine linear walk using public transport links.
Walkers: Me and Pluto The Dog.
Time taken: 5hrs from Ribblehead Station to Stone Close tearoom, over a distance of about 10 miles.
Route: Ribblehead Sation, Blea Moor Tunnel, Whernside, Deepdale Road, Willans Farm, Dyke Hall Lane, Dales Way to Dent.
Weather and Conditions: Very weak sunshine, misty and cool.
Greetings Count: A quiet walk with a lack of the typical hasty, perspiring Three Peakers.
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Stone Close Tearoom is dog-friendly and offers a good menu.
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Those Useful Links:
Dalesbus: A deep and wide website with lots of stuff about rail and bus links.
Friends of The Settle-Carlisle Railway
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2012 ©