Spring walks – Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire
JERICHO was the name of one of the shanty towns where lived some of the 6,000 men employed in building the magnificent viaduct. It was also the name given to the popular television series.
It cost £3.5m to construct, an enormous amount in Victorian times. It was opened in 1876.
1] Cross the road from the parking area to take the well reinforced signed track towards the viaduct. This soon joins another track on which you continue until it turns left and passes under the viaduct. You need to go on walking ahead along the side of the railway line above you on your left. Ignore a left turn under the line and go on to pass a tall railway signal. Just beyond, turn left under the signed railway arch and through the gate beyond.
2] Follow the track down Turf Hill, cross a stream, then wind left to pass through buildings at Winterscales Farm and over a pleasing bridge. Carry on along the lane over two cattle grids, pass a barn and go through a metal gate, followed by a wooden gate. Stroll on over the lovely limestone fields, crossing a “bridge” of railway sleepers. Beyond approach the wall ahead and here take a small easy-to-miss gate. Carry on over several gated fields to reach Boardrake Farm, where a walkers’ barn is being constructed.
3] Turn sharp left on a good track. Look left as you go over the intervening moorland to see the viaduct. Every sixth pillar is thicker than those on either side. It was built so that if a pillar collapsed only the five beside it would collapse rather than the whole viaduct. Where the track winds right towards another farm, keep ahead, then turn sharp left on the far side of a fence, walking a grassy track and heading to an obvious ladderstile, or use the gate.
4] Keep on the track as it winds through fields to reach the bed of Winterscales Beck, usually dry all summer. Go over this and follow the track to reach a narrow lane close to a cattle grid. Turn left. Walk on to cross a bridge, beyond which the track soon divides. Take the right branch and head towards the viaduct. Go right at next gate to cross a bridge and then on through farm buildings. Head on through two more gates and step out on the track to pass under the viaduct and carry onto the road and where you have parked.
INFORMATION
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Time: 2-3 hours
Height gain: Very little – 100m/328ft
Terrain: Mainly good paths and track. A little lane walking. One muddy path
Public transport: Traveline 0300 123 4050
Park: Near the viaduct – at junction of the B6479 and B6255
Public toilets: None on route
Refreshments and facilities: Spoilt for choice in Ingleton
Map: OS Explorer OL2/Landrange
By Mary Welsh. The full version of this article was originally published in Big Issue North, available from vendors across the North West and Yorkshire and Humber (£2.50).
