Ride2Stride Festival Returns to Settle

The Yorkshire Dales will once again come alive with walkers, history buffs, and music lovers as the Ride2Stride Walking Festival returns from April 29 to May 5, 2025. Based in the market town of Settle, the week-long celebration offers free guided walks, talks, and live music, drawing visitors from across the UK and abroad.

Now in its 10th edition—and 13 years since the festival’s inception—Ride2Stride continues to celebrate the unique landscapes and heritage of the Settle-Carlisle railway line. All walks start and end at railway stations, making the event easily accessible and environmentally friendly. They are led by experienced volunteers from groups such as Friends of Dales Rail, Friends of the Settle–Carlisle Line (FoSCL), and the local conservation group ROOTS (Respect Our Old Trees in Settle).

This year’s programme features something for every level of walker, from challenging hikes to relaxed strolls. Special “walk and talk” events will explore local history: ROOTS will trace Settle’s past through its trees on Tuesday; FoSCL will examine the Ribblehead viaduct’s shanty town origins on Wednesday; and on Thursday, local historian Sue Rathmell will guide a heritage walk through Skipton, ending at the Craven Museum.

Evening events provide added appeal, offering a chance for visitors to socialise, dine, and enjoy local culture. Highlights include a new pub quiz on Friday, May 2, at Settle Social Club with a Yorkshire theme, and a series of evening talks at the Friends Meeting House, ranging from geology and archaeology to local rewilding efforts.

Live music rounds out the festivities, with performances by the Black Horse Jazzmen at The Talbot, open-mic sessions at The Golden Lion, and a music night at the Station Inn, Ribblehead.

For more information and the full schedule, click here.