Good news! A new Saturday-only service, Yorkshire Dales Explorer, between Rochdale and Ribblehead has been launched by Northern. The journey will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside Yorkshire has to offer finishing in the iconic Yorkshire Dales.
The brand-new train route is the Dales Explorer will stop off at Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Clitheroe and Hellifield. The Dales Rail train service previously ran on Sundays from Blackburn to Clitheroe to the Settle-Carlisle line, but was cancelled last year.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority encourage the public to use the new service. Councillor David Staveley discussed Hellifield station, which Network Rail completed a £550,000 refurbishment of Victorian Station back in the 2010, saying: “It’s been ridiculously low-hanging fruit for far too long. Locally it was said from Hellifield, being an interchange station, you could get anywhere in England.”
The new Yorkshire Dales Explorer route takes full advantage of the Hellifield station, which offers connecting routes to Leeds and Carlisle.
Councillor Andy Solloway dicussed the new and exciting Yorkshire Dales Explorer route and said: “If people use it, then we can start expanding it. Hellifield is a brilliant station and it’s a natural connection for people using the Settle-Carlisle line.”
And, who wouldn’t want to use it? The Yorkshire Dales has so much to offer, whether that’s hikes along one of its many routes, visiting its attractions or stopping of at its many wonderful pubs and restaurants for a bite to eat. You’re sure to leave on a return journey home satisfied.
What are the train times for Yorkshire Dales Explorer train service?
If you’re looking to use the new Yorkshire Dales train service then check out the train times that run either way twice a day.
Trains depart from Rochdale at 7.52am and 2.52pm on Saturdays, and they call at 18 stops along the way before reaching Ribblehead. The return trains leave Ribblehead at 11.08am and 6.05pm. Visit the Northern rail website here to book your tickets.
Read More: 8 Of The Most Quaint & Idyllic Yorkshire Dales Villages
