Where in the Yorkshire Dales is Ribblesdale?
It’s one of the major ones, with a west watershed, that starts at Ribblehead then goes via Settle into East Lancashire – ending up at Preston where it enters the Irish Sea. Most people think of Ribblesdale as a limestone heavy location, with the 3 Peaks all around – Ingleborough to the west, Whernside to the north, and Pen Y Gent to the east.
What’s it like?
It’s one of the big ones really – the most scenic part is between the staggering viaduct at Ribblehead and Settle, winding through Horton in Ribblesdale and Stainforth. There are the river and rail lines following each other all the way, waterfalls and crags all over the place. There’s a huge quarry too – not the best bit really. It’s mainly limestone though – so lots of weathered rock to play with, trees growing in improbable places and those 3 peaks to inspire.
As it flattens out you head down through a flat, pastoral landscape – lots of farms and livestock, the river slowly flowing – great for reflections.
Any highlights?
- Well the Viaduct at Ribblehead is truly amazing – not only its size, but the location – on a desolate hill far away.
- Waterfalls – one at Stainforth is pretty impressive
- Huge lime kilns.
- Patterns of walls through out the valley create some cool patterns if you get your long lens out
- Trees, livestock, barns… typical dales fayre
Here are some Photos…
…taken on a bright sunny day, alas most of the dale from Stainforth to through horton was closed due to an accident, so most shots are taken from Little Stainforth and Ribblehead – with the middle chunk missing, I hope the people in the accident are ok. They’re in the “stock” style rather than arty images for fine art prints.
Very nice Warren. Makes me want to ditch this London rubbish asap