People in the North West looking to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park this summer will be able to travel there on a new Northern service.

Known as the Yorkshire Dales Explorer, the return service runs from Rochdale to Ribblehead twice daily on Saturdays. The first services ran on 8 June.

Trains depart from Rochdale at 7.52am and 2.52pm, calling at 18 stops before reaching Ribblehead. Return trains from Ribblehead depart at 11.08am and 6.05pm.

Passengers will be able to make the scenic journey between those two stations in around two hours.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, 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 to explore the spectacular National Park.”

Richard Watts, chair of Community Rail Lancashire, said: “This is an exciting development which Community Rail Lancashire enthusiastically supports.

“Along with our partners the Lancashire Rail Ramblers and the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, we are developing a comprehensive guided walk programme which will help 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.”

Lizzie Bushby, member champion for recreation management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “We’re really pleased that Northern is running this service. It will provide opportunities for visitors from across the North West to visit the National Park this summer – the journey itself will be a great experience with amazing views, and there will be lots to do when people arrive.”

Check out the Yorkshire Dales Explorer leaflet here.

Visit Northern’s website to book your Yorkshire Dales Explorer ticket or find out more about Northern’s work in the community here.