By Train: The Settle-Carlisle Railway
The Settle-Carlisle railway line is a vital transport artery for the Three Peaks region and a masterpiece of Victorian engineering in its own right. The line provides direct access to several key locations:
Key Stations
- Settle - the main service town, with connections to Leeds and beyond
- Horton-in-Ribblesdale - the traditional start point for the Three Peaks walk, a five-minute walk from most accommodation
- Ribblehead - right at the iconic viaduct, perfect for anti-clockwise walkers
The railway offers a genuine "car-free challenge" option. Many accommodation providers in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, such as The Rowe House and Broad Croft House, are within a five-minute walk of the station.
Services run from Leeds, with connections at Settle from the wider rail network.
By Car
Key Routes
- From the M6: Exit at Junction 36, follow the A65 through Kirkby Lonsdale to Ingleton, or continue to Settle
- From Leeds/Bradford: Take the A65 westbound through Skipton to Settle
- From Manchester: M62 east, then M66/A56/A59 through Skipton to Settle
Parking
- Horton-in-Ribblesdale: Limited parking in the village; arrive early on weekends
- Ribblehead: Car park near the viaduct
- Chapel-le-Dale: Parking at the Hill Inn
- Settle: Town centre car parks
- Ingleton: Village centre car parks
Note: Parking in Horton can be very busy on weekends during walking season (April to September). Consider arriving the night before or using the train.
By Bus
Bus services to the area are limited. The most reliable connections are:
- Settle is the best-connected town by bus, with services from Skipton and surrounding areas
- Local services between Settle, Ingleton, and surrounding villages run on a reduced schedule
Check current timetables before relying on bus connections, particularly on Sundays and bank holidays.
Accessibility
The villages of the Three Peaks area are small and rural. Most amenities, accommodation, and trailheads are within easy walking distance of railway stations and car parks. Settle offers the widest range of services including shops, cafes, outdoor gear shops, and a supermarket.