The attraction of riding the Settle-to-Carlisle line is the chance to experience England's most scenic railway. From Settle, the drag up Ribblesdale brings ever more spectacular views – between Horton and Ribblehead the line climbs two hundred feet in five miles, before crossing the famous 24-arched Ribblehead viaduct. The station at Dent Head is the highest, and bleakest, mainline station in England.
The journey from Settle to Carlisle takes just under an hour and forty minutes, so it's easy to make a
return trip (adult day-return £17.50; multiday rover tickets also available) along the whole length of the line. If you only have time for a short trip, the best section is between Settle and Garsdale (30min). There are connections to Settle from Skipton (20min) and Leeds (1hr); full
timetable details are available from National Rail Enquiries,
08457/484950, or at
www.settle-carlisle.co.uk.