Yorkshire Dales Explorer rail line through Bolton returns

The Yorkshire Dales Explorer will now run twice a day on Saturdays, calling at Bolton, Salford Crescent and Blackburn, with the first set to pull out on June 8.

This will replace the Dales Rail Sunday service, which was axed last summer, with adult return tickets to be offered at £25.

Northern regional director Craig Harrop said: “We’re excited to introduce this brand-new service that will allow customers to travel into the heart of the Dales at a reasonable price this summer.

“They can get off the train at Hellifield, Settle, Horton-in-Ribblesdale or Ribblehead if they want to get out and explore the spectacular national park.”

The Ribblehead Viaduct (Image: Archive)

The line will operate from Rochdale and Ribblehead via Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Clitheroe and Hellifield, with the full round trip taking around two hours.

The previous Dales Rail Sunday route had been cut last summer after Northern had trouble with recruiting enough train staff who were prepared to work voluntary overtime shifts on Sundays.

But now the new Yorkshire Dales Explorer Saturday line will give passengers leaving at Ribblehead the chance to see the famous Ribblehead Viaduct.

They can also catch another train to continue north on the Settle-Carlisle line and visit other destinations in the Dales, such as Garsdale and Dent.

Yorkshire Dales National Park authority member champion for recreation management Lizzie Bushby said: “We’re really pleased that Northern is running this service.

“It will provide opportunities for visitors from the North West to visit the National Park this summer.

“The journey itself will be a great experience with amazing views of the National Park, and there will be lots to do when people arrive.”

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Passengers heading out from Bolton or elsewhere will soon also have the change to take part in guided walks and other organised group activities.

Community Rail Lancashire chair Richard Watts said: "This is an exciting development which Community Rail Lancashire will enthusiastically support.

“We are developing, with our partners the Lancashire Rail Ramblers and the Friends of the Settle Carlisle, a comprehensive guided walk programme helping people to enjoy the lovely Dales countryside with an experienced leader.

“The walks will also include history trails highlighting the fascinating stories in the communities along the line.”