A rail service that has brought more than 2,500 passengers into the Yorkshire Dales is celebrating a successful first year of operation.
Launched on 8 June 2024, the Yorkshire Dales Explorer runs every Saturday from Manchester to Ribblehead via Settle and Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Aimed at leisure travellers, it supports local businesses and communities in one of York and North Yorkshire’s most remote areas.
While bringing in people from Manchester, Bolton and East Lancashire, the service is also providing residents of the Dales with direct rail access to parts of the north-west that they have not had before.
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, recently joined passengers to find out firsthand how the service is having a positive impact.
Mayor Skaith said: “The Yorkshire Dales Explorer is a fantastic example of how smart, sustainable investment in transport can deliver real benefits.
“We are incredibly proud to have supported this service, which in just its first year, has transformed access to one of our most beautiful and remote areas.
“It’s invigorating local businesses, boosting tourism, and providing a vital new public transport link for residents.
“This service isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about opening up our countryside, supporting local economies, and giving people genuine, green alternatives to the car.”
The service is a partnership of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Northern Trains, Lancashire County Council, the Department for Transport’s Rail North Partnership, Community Rail Partnerships and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, who are continuing to work together to further grow the popularity of the service.
Owain Roberts, regional stakeholder manager for Northern, said: “The Yorkshire Dales Explorer has proved extremely popular since we launched in June 2024, with families, walkers, cyclists, and those just out for a scenic train ride enjoying the journey.
“The service has given customers from all over the north west the opportunity to enjoy a day out in the Dales without using their car, and we’re proud to be playing our part in promoting sustainable tourism across Lancashire and Yorkshire.”
Partners have worked closely with bus operators and the Ramblers to make the service a success. As well as providing a direct rail link between Manchester, Lancashire and North Yorkshire, the Dales Explorer also connects to the rural bus network, including the DalesBus service 80, which offers an onward journey to Hawes.
A complementary programme of walks has also been developed to encourage passengers to enjoy walking, cycling and wheeling in the national park.
Friends of the Dales Chair Jonathan Riley accompanied the Mayor for the journeys and said: “It was very inspiring to see the Mayor and his team actively supporting the improvements to integrated public transport here in the Yorkshire Dales.
“We are excited to be playing a key part in this with the continued growth of our DalesBus network of weekend bus services, including the new Lancaster-Ingleton-Ribblehead-Hawes DalesBus service 80 funded by York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority. integrating with the Dales Explorer train service.
“The growing transport network is enabling more people to travel to and within the Yorkshire Dales, opening up opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
Matt Townsend, director of Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council, said: “The links offered by the Yorkshire Dales Explorer are running again this summer, making it easier for people from across the North to access the Ribble Valley and visit our historic market towns.
“There are lots of activities that are easily accessible from the railway, including Clitheroe Castle and its award-winning museum in the former Steward’s House.
“You can also see the stunning panoramic views of Ribble Valley’s beautiful, historic landscape from the top of the castle, making it a trip that will live long in the memory
“I look forward to working closely with our partners to highlight the many great destinations, events and activities which people can reach using the new Explorer service.”
Councillor Phil Riley is the Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and sits on the board of Transport for the North. He said: “What a great way to spend a summer Saturday walking in some of the most beautiful areas of the country with convenient and cheap rail and bus travel from a number of destinations in Lancashire. You can go from Blackburn to Hawes in an hour and a half and the bus is waiting at the station for you!”
The Yorkshire Dales Explorer’s positive impact on local tourism has already been recognised, as the service was shortlisted for two national awards earlier this year. It was a finalist in the Rail Business Award’s Regional Initiative category, and the Tourism and Leisure category of the Community Rail Awards.
The service has been supported by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Lancashire County Council, Settle and Carlisle Community Rail Partnership, and Community Rail Lancashire.
For more information visit northernrailway.co.uk/yorkshire-dales-explorer and visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/lines/Yorkshire-dales-explorer