10 of the best walks from train stations in Northern England

Ditch the car and ride the rails through the national parks and surrounding countryside of Northern England – here is our pick of 10 of the best and most stunning walks that start and end at train stations.

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Published: February 14, 2020 at 11:00 am

The north of England boasts some of the most astonishing landscapes that the country has to offer. A journey over rolling hills, past reflecting lakes and beside secluded coastline doesn't have to be accessed via car. The rail network provides a wealth of opportunities for both the intrepid traveller and the leisurely wanderer – and all from the train station turn stiles.

Here is our pick of 10 of the best and most stunning walks that start and end at train stations in Northern England.

1

Arnside Station to Arnside Beach

View of the mountains from Arnside beach
View of the mountains from Arnside beach/ Credit: Getty

6 miles / 2.5 hrs / moderate

Enjoy incredible views of the Lake District and secluded beaches on this moderate circular walk, experiencing fabulous wildlife as you pass Leighton Moss Nature Reserve.

northernrailway.co.uk/arnside

2

Blackpool North Station to Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool-pier
Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach/ Credit: Getty

3 miles / 1 hr / easy

Discover the "Golden Mile" – Blackpool's beating heart of entertainment. This linear walk takes in all of the famous landmarks of Blackpool – including its piers – as you walk along the shores of the Irish Sea.

northernrailway.co.uk/blackpool


3

Buxton Station to Peak District National Park

Solomon's Temple at the top of the hill provides wonderful views
Solomon's Temple at the top of the hill provides wonderful views / Credit: Getty

7.5 miles / 3.5 hrs / moderate

Take in breathtaking countryside right on the edge on the Peak District National Park with this circular walk around the Buxton area. The journey offers a number of interesting sites to stop at along the way, such as Solomon's Temple and the stunning Opera House.

northernrailway.co.uk/buxton

4

Chester Station to Chester City Centre

Chester-Cathedral
The facade of Chester Cathedral/ Credit: Getty

3.2 miles / 1.5 hrs / easy

As soon as you exit Chester Railway Station you're greeted with fantastic views of the city from the magnificent Roman walls of Chester. Leave the station on foot and explore this lovely city with its stunning Cathedral, medieval buildings and fantastic shopping.

northernrailway.co.uk/chester

5

Hull Paragon Station to Hull Marina and Port

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Spurn Lightship and museum is moored at Hull Marina/ Credit: Getty

4 miles / 2 hrs / easy

This easy yet fascinating walk take in the 2017 City of Culture's key historical landmarks and its beautiful marina and pier.

northernrailway.co.uk/hull

6

Knaresborough Station to Harrogate

Knaresborough-viaduct-bed6848

View under Knaresborough viaduct from the bank of the River Nidd/ Credit: Getty4 miles / 2 hrs / easy

This linear walk between picturesque Knaresborough and bustling Harrogate takes you on a scenic public footpaths and the National Cycle Network. Shortly after the rail station lies the Knaresborough Viaduct – a stunning feat of architecture.

northernrailway.co.uk/knaresborough

7

Edale Station to Mam Tor

Mam-tor-web-2d835a0
View from the path along the Great Ridge/ Credit: Getty

4 miles / 3 hours / moderate

Experience the beautiful scenery of the Peak District with a hike up Mam Tor. This is a great day out for the family, with spectacular views from the summit.

northernrailway.co.uk/mamtor

8

Ribblehead Station to Ribblehead Viaduct

Ribblehead-viaduct-web-44db6be
The view from beneath Ribblehead Viaduct/ Credit: Getty

3.6 miles / 2 hours / moderate

If you're looking for a day out with magnificent scenery and breathtaking views, a walk around Ribblehead is a must. Ribblehead station is situated on the Settle to Carlisle line, arguably the most scenic train route in the whole of England. This walk takes in the outstanding Ribblehead Viaduct beneath the watchful gaze of two of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

northernrailway.co.uk/ribblehead

9

Saltburn Station to Saltburn-by-the-sea

Trams-saltburn-web-4522c02
The trams descending at Saltburn Pier/ Credit: Getty

5 miles / 3 hours / moderate

Enjoy a circular walk to the highest point of this stunning section of coastline. The path hugs the shore of the North Sea, journeying past a beautiful sculpture and the remains of the Huntcliff ironstone mine.

northernrail.co.uk/saltburn

10

Windermere Station to Orrest Head

Orrest-Head-View-web-bb3b505
The view over The Lake District from Orrest Head/Credit: Getty

2 miles / 2 hours / moderate

This short walk provides a staggering amount of natural beauty, despite its minimal effort. With views over Windermere and into the heart of the fells, it's the perfect walk for those in search of a dose of the Lake District's epic landscape.

northernrailway.co.uk/orresthead

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