Ribble Way

The Ribble way is a long distance walk between the Lancashire coast and the Yorkshire Dales National Park largely following the course of the River Ribble.

The route begins in Longton and ends at the source of the Ribble at Gayle Moor near Ribblehead, it is around 118km/73 miles in length.

The route passes through a variety of landscapes including tidal marsh, open moorland and limestone gorges. It begins to the south of the Ribble estuary, the route then runs through Preston and on to the historic town of Clitheroe. Next it heads up into the Pennines to reach its source on remote Cam Fell.

History

The idea of opening a walk along the Ribble called the Ribble Way was first suggested back in 1967 at the inaugural meeting of the Preston and Fylde branch of the Ramblers' Association. The idea eventually attracted official support and was opened in 1985.

Connections

The Ribble way connects with several other long distance walks, including; the Dales Way, the Pennine Way, the Pennine Bridleway and Thirlmere Way.

Settlements

• Longton
• Preston
• Frenchwood
• Ribchester
• Little Town
• Winckley Hall
• Clitheroe
• Horrocksford
• Paythorne
• Rathmell
• Giggleswick
• Stainforth
• Horton in Ribblesdale

(Joins Dales Way)

Further reading

• The Ribble Way, Dennis and Jan Kelsall. Cicerone 2005 ISBN 978 1 85284 456 1