Station Inn, Ribblehead

Gourmet destination? Idyllic location? Ancient inn of character and delight? Well no, not really. Wonderful sight after slogging around the Three Peaks for hours, and welcoming shelter from the driving rain on a wind-buffeted visit to Ribblehead Viaduct? God, yes – the remote Station Inn at the top of Ribblesdale does what it says on the tin (an inn, near a station) and does it extremely well. There’s a real-ale bar with local brews and single malts to be enjoyed in the beer garden. An extensive pub menu (proper pies, gammon, lamb shank, fish and chips) is sourced from local ingredients where possible – perfect for the hungry walker. Each of the half-dozen rooms at the inn, updated in a modern-country style with a spacious and airy feel, offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside: some overlook the striking Ribblehead Viaduct; others have a view towards Pen-y-ghent, one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks and a potential endeavour for the day. There’s cheaper bunkhouse accommodation for individual hikers and groups – short on frills (shared facilities and you need to bring your own sleeping bags) but big on a handy location for exploring some of the Dales’ most dramatic scenery. You don’t even need a car to get here; the station is a stop on the Settle to Carlisle railway line.