The fabulous FoSCL (Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line) walks programme for the Summer is now well underway after a very busy and enjoyable Winter Walks Programme which saw well over 500 walkers taking part in FoSCL’s guided walks.

The volunteer walk leaders have welcomed walkers from all over the world on our walks over the last few months as Leeds University students from China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India and Peru have been travelling on the S&C to enjoy spectacular walks. They spend all week studying hard and tell the group that they find being in the fresh air and lovely countryside good for their health and well-being.

The Summer Programme offers plenty of variety and a good mix of walks to suit walkers of differing abilities; from a strenuous hike over Ingleborough or Wild Boar Fell to a potter around Horton-in Ribblesdale or a stroll through Settle to see the amazing Flowerpot Festival!

To celebrate the longest day of the year, they are offering two walks from Applebly on 21st June; a challenging route via High Cup Nick to Great Rundale Tarn and a scenic walk to the pretty village of Dufton.

The Yorkshire Dales Explorer rail service, which started last year and runs every Saturday, has been very popular and gives the opportunity to offer walks in the Ribble Valley. There are two walks from the YDE on the Summer Programme which start from Langho and Ramsgreave.

If you’re planning to join these walks, check the FoSCL Guided Walks website for further information about train times:
www.foscl.org.uk/guided-walks

We are very pleased that the 830 Northern DalesBus, which is supported by the Friends, will be running from Ribblehead every Sunday from April to October and providing access into Wensleydale and Swaledale. There will be running six Sunday walks from the bus giving walkers the chance to enjoy car free walks in some of the loveliest areas
in the Yorkshire Dales.

Check the FoSCL or DalesBus www.dalesbus.org websites for details.

If you plan to join any of the walks, it is always best to check the website for any last-minute changes before setting off.
You can find all our upcoming walks at: www.foscl.org.uk/guided-walks or pick up one of the Summer Walks leaflets at stations along the line.

Article adapted with kind permission from the FoSCL newsletter ‘Friends on Track’