Walking the Ribble Way: A one-week walk across Lancashire into Yorkshire from Preston to the source

Discover the Ribble Way, a captivating long-distance walk that follows the full course of the River Ribble, from the Lancashire coast to its remote source in the Yorkshire Dales. Spanning 72 miles (116km), the Ribble Way invites walkers of all abilities to experience the rich diversity of northwest England’s landscapes, wildlife, and historic villages.

Ideal for both first-time long-distance walkers and seasoned ramblers, the Ribble Way can be completed within a week or enjoyed in shorter day walks, thanks to excellent public transport links and flexible route options. The comprehensive Cicerone guidebook breaks the journey into seven manageable stages. Nature lovers will delight in the Ribble Valley’s abundant flora and fauna: from bluebells in the woods to winter flocks of geese in the marshes, the riverbanks attract kingfishers and herons year-round, while the hills offer sweeping views over Pendle and Bowland.

• Detailed stage-by-stage descriptions covering the full 72-mile Ribble Way from Longton to the Ribble’s source on Cam Fell, plus suggested variants and circular walks for day walkers.
• Along the Ribble Way, you’ll pass through attractive villages such as Ribchester and Horton in Ribblesdale, and cross iconic bridges like Penwortham, Brungerley, and Gisburn, before reaching the wild fells and dramatic limestone scenery at the river’s source on Cam Fell.
• Route summary tables, detailed distance and terrain information, and facilities are provided for each stage of the Ribble Way, from Longton to Cam Fell.
• Extracts from 1:50,000 OS Landranger maps, elevation profiles, and GPX files make it easy for walkers to navigate the Ribble Way’s varied terrain and confidently plan each stage.
• Contains advice on planning, transport, accommodation, and access, such as baggage transfer, parking options, bus and train connections, or local facilities, so you can make the most of the Ribble Way, with start and finish points accessible by public transport.
• Includes information on historical features, local heritage, and points of interest such as the tranquil marshes near Longton, the historic village of Ribchester, the picturesque bridges at Penwortham, Brungerley, and Gisburn, and the final ascent to the Ribble’s wild upland source near Ribblehead.

Plan your Ribble Way adventure with confidence and experience one of England’s most varied and beautiful river valleys with the definitive Cicerone guidebook.

Both native Lancastrians, Dennis and Jan Kelsall have long held a passion for countryside and hill walking. Since their first Cicerone title was published in 1995, they have written and illustrated around 35 guides covering some of Britain’s most popular walking areas and have become regular contributors to various outdoor magazines. Their enjoyment of the countryside extends far beyond a love of fresh air, the freedom of open spaces and an appreciation of scenery. Over the years Dennis and Jan have developed a wider interest in the environment, its geology and wildlife, as well as an enthusiasm for delving into the local history that so often provides clues to interpreting the landscape.

Both native Lancastrians, Dennis and Jan Kelsall have long held a passion for countryside and hill walking. Since their first Cicerone title was published in 1995, they have written, contributed and illustrated over 50 guides covering some of Britain’s most popular walking areas and have become regular contributors to various outdoor magazines. Their enjoyment of the countryside extends far beyond a love of fresh air, the freedom of open spaces and an appreciation of scenery. Over the years Dennis and Jan have developed a wider interest in the environment, its geology and wildlife, as well as an enthusiasm for delving into the local history that so often provides clues to interpreting the landscape.