The National Park publishes a ground-level bridleway beneath the viaduct. It describes a wide, firm gravel path with no steps or gates on the main route, though the exposed setting, weather and road crossing can make access harder. Trains still use the viaduct; stay off railway land and leave archaeological remains undisturbed.
Check the official visitor information ↗ · checked 2026-09-23
Use public paths and visitor areas. Do not enter unstaffed tunnels, shafts, railway land or restricted property.
Advice before you visitInformation checked 2026-09-23. We checked published records and visitor information. No site visit or direct confirmation from the operator.
The story of this place
Ribblehead Viaduct, also known as Batty Moss Viaduct, was built in 1870–1874 as part of the Settle–Carlisle railway. Historic England names J. Crossley as the engineer and lists the crossing at Grade II*.
The ground around it has a history of its own. The National Park describes temporary settlements used by the construction workers. Their homes and workplaces formed part of the effort needed to build the railway across this landscape.
This is a working railway, not an abandoned line. Northern’s published 2026 timetable includes services calling at Ribblehead station. Check live services if travelling by train.
- Historic England — Batty Moss Railway Viaduct ↗ · reviewed 2026-09-22
- Yorkshire Dales National Park — construction workers ↗ · reviewed 2026-09-13
- Northern — Leeds–Settle–Carlisle timetable, 17 May–12 December 2026 ↗ · reviewed 2026-09-23
What you can see
The National Park publishes a route beneath the viaduct, with information about its setting. The arches explain the scale of the crossing, while the nearby archaeological remains help tell the workers’ story.
The National Park describes the main approach as a wide, firm gravel bridleway without steps or gates. The walk is exposed, and rain, wind and the road crossing near the start can make it harder, especially for some wheelchair users. Check the current guidance for your needs. The railway deck is not part of the walking route.
- Historic England — Batty Moss Railway Viaduct ↗ · reviewed 2026-09-22
- Yorkshire Dales National Park — construction workers ↗ · reviewed 2026-09-13
- Yorkshire Dales National Park — Ribblehead access guide ↗ · reviewed 2026-09-23
What we still need to check
We have not visited the site. Opening arrangements can change, so check the linked operator before travelling.
Sources for the visiting information
- Yorkshire Dales National Park — Ribblehead access guide ↗ · reviewed 2026-09-23
About the original record
This place is recorded by Historic England / Planning Data. The details below include the original description of its building or site type.
Some historic railway structures still carry trains. Being in this category does not mean a line is closed or open for walking.
Place details
- Category
- Lost railways & rail heritage
- Building or site type (original wording)
- BATTY MOSS RAILWAY VIADUCT
- Period or date
- 1870–1874 (statutory listing)
- Current condition
- Not checked in person
- Heritage protection
- II*
- Date protection was granted
- 1988-11-23
- Nearby town
- Settle (approximate)
- County named in the original record
- Not supplied
- Current county or council area
- North Yorkshire
- Nation
- England
- Original record number
- 1132228
- Coordinates
- 54.210419, -2.370344 (reference point, not an entrance)
- Heritage data checked
- 2026-09-13
- Source last updated
- 2026-09-12
- Visitor information checked
- 2026-09-23
We checked the downloaded heritage record on 2026-09-13. We have not visited or inspected the site. The map point may refer to a whole site, one structure or a location where little remains.