The Ribble Way is a scenic long-distance footpath that stretches from the Lancashire coast to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, closely following the River Ribble as it journeys from the Ribble Estuary to its source on Gayle Moor. The route offers a rich variety of landscapes, including tidal marshes, expansive moorland, and dramatic limestone gorges, providing walkers with a diverse and ever-changing backdrop.
Route
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- Distance: 65 miles
- Start location: Just near the River Douglas, by The Dolphin Inn, Marsh Lane, Longton, Preston, Lancashire PR4 5JY
- Finish Location: Newby Head Pass, Hawes DL8 3LX
OS Walking Map & GPX Download
Our OS map below shows the full route. Under the map, you can find a GPX file download for your navigational device.
Download file for GPSWalk Description
Starting at Longton on the Lancashire coast, the path meanders through or near several key locations. It first reaches the historic city of Preston before continuing to the ancient Roman town of Ribchester, known for its archaeological significance and the remains of a Roman fort. From there, the path leads to Hurst Green and the picturesque grounds of Stonyhurst College, a Jesuit school with centuries of history.
Continuing onward, the route passes through the quaint village of Great Mitton, with its medieval church, and the bustling market town of Clitheroe, dominated by its iconic Norman castle perched on a limestone knoll. As the trail progresses, it winds through the charming villages of Chatburn and Sawley, with its serene abbey ruins, and then enters Gisburn, known for its proximity to Gisburn Forest, a popular spot for walking and cycling.
The Ribble Way then takes walkers through the peaceful hamlets of Paythorne and Halton West, eventually reaching the historic village of Wrigglesworth. From here, it meanders through Rathmell, a village nestled in the shadow of the Pennines, before arriving in the lively town of Settle, a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Settle is famed for its stunning limestone scenery and the Settle-Carlisle Railway.
The route continues through the picturesque village of Stainforth, known for its ancient packhorse bridge, and crosses the River Ribble at Helwith Bridge, a popular spot for anglers. It then passes through Horton in Ribblesdale, a key stop for those undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge, before ascending towards Ingleborough and Whernside, two of the Yorkshire Dales’ highest and most iconic peaks.
Finally, the Ribble Way traverses the remote and rugged Blea Moor, offering expansive views of the surrounding dales, before culminating at the river’s source near Cam Head on Gayle Moor, a desolate yet beautiful highland that marks the end of this remarkable journey through the diverse landscapes of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
