The line
The Leeds-Morecambe railway, also known as the ‘Bentham’ line, runs between Lancaster and Heysham Port and is a dementia friendly line. Alight at any of these following three stations and you will have easy access into the Dales countryside.
Walks and activities
Clapham
The picturesque village of Clapham lies in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, just over a mile away from Clapham Station. Depart here and venture to the summit of Ingleborough, the second highest of the Three Peaks, passing Ingleborough Cave and Gaping Gill pothole on the way.
Gargrave
Gargrave lies on the edge of the National Park. The River Aire and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal pass through the village. The Pennine Way, a very famous National Trail, also runs through the village and offers some fantastic walking. On top of this, there are many great cycle routes. Malham village and Malham Cove are a short bus ride away.
Long Preston
Long Preston is on the boundary of the National Park. It is a small village that is connected to the Pennine Bridleway, linking up to various routes and leading you deeper into the heart of the Dales.
The Bentham Line provides access to spectacular Yorkshire Dales scenery. From the line, their are a number of walks which allow you the opportunity to explore the Lune, Ribble and Aire valleys. Take a look at the Rail to Trail, a collection of walks for experienced and leisure walkers which combine into a 68 mile linear walk from station to station, as well as other guided and self guided walks.
Events along the Bentham line include, local farmers markets, artisan markets and guided walks.
Access
The Dalesbus is a local service which runs throughout the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It holds extra services on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Clapham
Clapham Station is an unstaffed but fully accessible station.
- The westbound platform is only accessible via the footbridge
- Free car park
- Covered cycle rack
- Customer information screens
Gargrave
Gargrave Station is an unstaffed station.
- The westbound platform is only accessible via steps
- Free car park, 100m south of the station – Provided by Parish Council
Long Preston
Long Preston Station is an unstaffed station.
- Fully accessible station, but with a steep slope to the westbound platform
- Cycle storage
- Free car park
- Customer information screens
Information for all the other stations along the line can be found on the Bentham Line website, including access, station information, timetables, a 360° station tour and station facilities.
More info
For more information on how to travel greener, take a look at Community Rail Lancashire’s Sustainable Travel Toolkit.