North West Rover Ideas

[Tom125]

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to the north west in February for a few weeks based in Manchester, near Victoria station (I’m there during the Piccadilly closure).

I’m going to take advantage of the explore the north west rover (4 days).

Any suggested itinerary’s? Or great places to get off the train for a look?

Thanks in advance.

 

[D6130]

Hebden Bridge is a great place to get off the train and look around....with its pubs, cafés, independent shops, market (Thu-Sun), alternative bohemian lifestyle and stunning surroundings.

Otherwise Chester, Lancaster, Settle, Skipton, Clitheroe, Ulverston....to name but a few.

 

[NorthWestRover]

Depends what you like. Leeds and Liverpool if you like big cities.

 

[Bevan Price]

Hexham, Calisle, Chester if you like churches, cathedrals, etc.
Cumbrian Coast line if you like scenery (avoid damp weather days).
Dumfries also worth a visit, but better in Summer than in Winter.

 

[30907]

Saltaire, Appleby, Whithaven - and don't miss Clitheroe to Hellifield on a Saturday,

 

[Phil Anthtropy]

Huddersfield, for the station architecture and cracking pub at each side of the station (previously booking offices for the London & NWR and Lancashire & Yorkshire), You can still see the logos above the entrances.

As others have said, Skipton, Saltaire, Hebden Bridge et al are all worth a stop off.

But we don't know what your interests are or what would appeal to you, so can't be too specific.

 

[anothertyke]

Suppose you like riding on trains, the scenery and stopping off at some places worth a look. Then I would say

Saturday (only) Manchester--Clitheroe-- Ribblehead (have a walk to see the viaduct)--- Appleby (interesting town)-- Carlisle-- Manchester

Day 2 Manchester--Huddersfield-- Halifax ( Piece Hall) -- Hebden Bridge (see above)-- Copy Pit-- Blackburn (or Preston)--Manchester

Day 3a Manchester-- Carlisle (wander round) -- Cumbrian Coast Line ( note RRB at Whitehaven)-- Lancaster--Manchester
Day 3b Manchester--Penrith -- X4/5 bus via Keswick to Workington-- Cumbrian Coast Line--- Manchester

Day 4 Manchester-- Windermere-- walk or bus to Bowness-- boat to Lakeside-- walk to Newby Bridge-- bus to Ulverston (wander round)--- Manchester ( needs research)

Reserves for bad weather -- (a) Chester and Liverpool (b) Saltaire and Leeds

From a scenic perspective the Settle and Carlisle and the Cumbrian Coast Line are really the jewels--- on a half decent day!

 

[Rail Ranger]

Don't forget it's bus replacement between Corkickle and Whitehaven due to Bransty Tunnel.