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Written by Richard Tearle - 23 Oct 2007
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Location notes
Blea Moor, just north of the Ribblehead Viaduct, is one of the 'classic' location on the Settle and Carlisle line and also home to one of the most remote signal boxes in the UK. This location is about 1km from the nearest place with Road Access and is a walk across Blea Moor Common under the viaduct.
For more information on the Settle and Carlisle line please see the Settle - Carlisle Partnership website and consider joining Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line.
Railway type and traffic
Most of the local services to Carlisle are operated by 158 multiple units.
There are a number of freight services operated by DB Schenker/Freightliner/GBRf. DRS operate the autumnal RHTT trains over the route.
Environment
It really is the middle of nowhere! Weather can change very fast, so come prepared bearing in mind it’s at least a 20 minute walk back to the car/nearest station.
Road directions
Take B6479 if coming from the south which links to the A65 around Settle. Or take the B6255 off the A65 if coming from the north.

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Blea Moor Little Dales map co-ordinates
Parking
There is plenty of parking around the Station Inn at Ribblehead (although not in their private car park.) Parking can be problem on sunny days as Ribblehead is used as a base for many walkers.
Once parked, walk along the stone road to the north of the Station Inn. Follow the path up the hill rather than under the viaduct and keep walking past the signal box and house until you come to where a stream crosses the path. From here you should be able to see the bridge to the left.
Public transport
There is a train roughly every 2 hours in each direction to Leeds and Carlisle. The nearest station would be Ribblehead, and this would be a good 30 to 40 minute walk. Cumbria Classic Coaches operate the 570 bus on Tuesdays between Hawes and Ribblehead in the summer only.

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Amenities
There is a pub in Ribblehead
Accommodation
The pub in Ribblehead also offers a Bed and Breakfast service.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Blea Moor Little Dales

Googly map
Streetmap links
Blea Moor Little Dales general view map
Blea Moor Little Dales close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Blea Moor Little Dales



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Railway Gen Group
Settle Carlisle
Photographic notes
The light for southbound trains is good for afternoon trains, but difficult for northbound trains as it never really gets round far enough to “get on the nose”, other than at the height of summer. Unfortunately the northbound shot is the better with the box, signals and Ingleborough in the background. The signals and changing of the points gives advanced warning of oncoming trains.


General views - All photographs © Richard Tearle unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south


Fig 1 - Looking south

The northbound shot taken on a cloudy day in the late afternoon with a 50mm lens. A slightly more telephoto lens might help to reduce the foreground clutter.

Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north

The southbound shot taken on a cloudy day in the late afternoon with an 85mm lens. Blea Moor tunnel can be seen in the distance.

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