The new train route that connects Greater Manchester to one of north’s most scenic spots

Northern Trains are now operating a service that connects areas of the North West to the Yorkshire Dales. The service runs from Rochdale through to Ribblehead, with plenty of stops in between. 

Named the ‘Yorkshire Dales Explorer’, the service makes stops at Manchester Victoria, Salford and Bolton including many others. Trains run only on a Saturday, and the entire journey across the full length of the line is around two and a half hours. 

Trains depart from Rochdale at 7.52am and 2.52pm on Saturdays, calling at 18 stops before they reach Ribblehead. The return trains depart from Ribblehead at 11.08am and 6.05pm. 

According to research carried out by the train company, this route has seen a large number of ramblers travelling from across the region to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. this has been reflected by the Lancashire Rail Ramblers. More than 1,000 passengers have travelled north of Clitheroe on the service since it launched and almost a quarter (24%) of them have gone on guided walks run by groups like Lancashire Rail Ramblers

Craig Ward, chairman of the group, said: “The service has been quite popular. Some passengers just come for the ride as it’s such a scenic route. Others come for a walk and we’ve had a few cyclists as well.

“There have been groups of walkers from Manchester who had never travelled to the Yorkshire Dales by train before. Historically, they went to the Peak District because they couldn’t access the Dales on a direct service. But this gives them the chance to travel there without using their car, meet like-minded people and explore the Dales.

“There’s a different atmosphere on board because everyone is going for an enjoyable day out. People talk to each other and the regulars get to know each other.”

How much is a ticket on the Yorkshire Dales Explorer? 

A day return ticket from Victoria to Ribblehead costs £25. Northern have added that railcard discounts are also in place for tickets on these services.  

Full list of stops on the Yorkshire Dales Explorer service

• Rochdale
• Castleton
• Mills Hill
• Moston
• Manchester Victoria
• Salford Central
• Salford Crescent
• Bolton
• Hall I' Th' Wood
• Bromley Cross
• Darwen
• Blackburn
• Ramsgreave & Wilpshire
• Langho
• Whalley
• Clitheroe
• Hellifield
• Settle
• Horton-in-Ribblesdale
• Ribblehead