Looking for an itinerary where you can park up and forget about driving during your stay? The scenic rail-to-trail walking routes along the Bentham Line are just the ticket.

These self-guided walks offer a fantastic way to explore the stunning  landscapes of Lancashire and Yorkshire, all while discovering charming villages and historic paths.

With 12 routes spanning a total of 68 miles, there’s something for everyone from seasoned hikers to casual wanderers. Meandering through ancient footpaths, along river banks, and picturesque countryside, each trail offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

High Bentham Train Station is just a short stroll from our park, providing easy rail access to Lancaster, Leeds, and a host of delightful stops in between.

Featured Walks

Wennington to High Bentham – ‘Ancient routes and medieval places’
This 3.9-mile linear walk begins at Wennington Train Station and follows historic routes through medieval landscapes. Expect a mix of riverside paths and open fields, with conditions changing with the seasons. Approximate walking time: 2 hours 20 minutes. [Download the route here]

Clapham to High Bentham – ‘From Common to Cattle Mart’
A moderately challenging 5-mile route that winds across moorland, fields, and country lanes, finishing on Main Street in High Bentham. Plan for around 2 hours 30 minutes to complete this scenic journey. [Download the route here]

Lancaster to Morecambe – ‘Where once Trains Thundered’
Looking to venture a bit further? Take the train to Lancaster and enjoy a leisurely 3.8-mile walk along well-maintained paths to the seaside town of Morecambe. Once there, treat yourself to a bite to eat, snap a photo with the iconic Eric and Ernie statue, or indulge in a classic afternoon tea at The Midland Hotel. [Download the route here]

These are just a few highlights from the full collection of walks available. Why not explore the full list and find your perfect path?

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When winter comes to visit our western corner of North Yorkshire, something special happens. The landscapes stretch further, the air feels crisper, and the pace of life slows to a peaceful hush, helping you to truly unwind.

Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland and the Lake District, High Bentham is your perfect base for a winter escape.

Choose from the warm welcome of our Riverside Cottages or settle amongst the fairways of Bentham Golf Course to enjoy a stay in Wenningdale Escapes pods and lodges. Whichever you pick, you’ll find the ideal setting for fireside evenings, frosty morning walks, and tranquil days exploring the countryside.

While some local activities take a seasonal pause, the surrounding area comes alive in new ways. Stroll through the quiet charm of Settle’s independent shops, step back in time at Skipton Castle, or savour a slow-cooked lunch beside a roaring fire in Kirkby Lonsdale.

This winter, embrace the beauty of the Dales at your own pace and take advantage of our exclusive seasonal offers, available for a limited time only.

Stay for less!

If you are looking for the charm of an open fire then why not stay in Woodside or Parkside Cottage with 25% off using code: HC25

>> BOOK NOW <<

We are also offering  35% off pod and lodge stays at Wenningdale Escapes with code: NY35

>> BOOK NOW <<

These codes are valid on stays from Thursday 1st January 2026 to Sunday 29th March 2026 when you book for a minimum of 2 nights.

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If you’re planning a stay with a touring caravan or motorhome, understanding the different pitch types can help you choose the perfect match.

Riverside Caravan Park offers three distinct pitch styles that cater to a range of preferences and needs:

1. Level Grass Pitches

Simple, fully grassy, and well-drained, these pitches provide a straightforward and affordable option. Ideal for all accommodation options in dry conditions, these pitches include electricity and TV hook-up points, and there’s plenty of room for awnings and seating.

2. Hardstanding Pitches

These pitches feature a tarmac pitching surface and come equipped with electric and TV hook-ups. Like their grass counterparts, they offer ample space for awnings and seating on a spacious, adjacent gravel area.

3. Fully Serviced Hardstanding Pitches

This is the most feature-rich option available. In addition to hardstanding, these pitches include electric and TV hook-up points, a water standpipe, and a grey waste disposal connection. Plus, they provide adjacent gravel space ideal for awnings or outdoor seating.

Why pick Riverside Caravan Park for your next touring holiday?

Our holiday home and touring park is nestled in the valley of the River Wenning. It is only a short, safe walk from the village of High Bentham.

As a gateway town, High Bentham benefits for being close to the Forest of Bowland National Landscape  and the Yorkshire Dales . It is also only a stone’s throw from the Lake District, but without the crowds and higher price point.

Our family run park offers a great family friends base. It’s equally as enjoyable for couples to enjoy outside of the peak holiday periods, when it is peaceful and tranquil.

Our affordable touring prices, which you can view here, offer value for money with our award-winning facilities block and complementary wi-fi.

Find out more for yourself here.

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 But today, we have some big news…

We’re officially Motorhome Matt Approved!

That’s right, Matt, the UK’s go-to voice in the motorhome world, has chosen us as one of his handpicked, trusted suppliers. We’re joining a list of some of the best names in the industry, and we couldn’t be prouder! 

But don’t just take our word for it… Matt himself came to experience what we have to offer in person. And after his stay? Well, let’s just say he now knows why so many of you keep coming back.

“Wow, just wow! What a site and a great experience. One of the cleanest, most organised campsites I have ever stayed on (and, I’ve stayed on a few). The site reminded me of some of the best sites in Europe. Loads of space, big flat pitches and great facilities. Even underfloor heating in the loos and background music! 

Then, there is the surrounding area. We had never explored the Forest of Bowland before, and it did not disappoint. In every direction from Riverside is an amazing drive through some of England’s best scenery. We will certainly be back. If you have not explored this area, then you must. And Riverside is perfectly placed as a base.” 

Now it’s your turn to see what all the fuss is about. Whether you’re craving a last-minute break or planning ahead for next season, we’ve got you covered with some fantastic offers waiting just for you.

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Drain Down

If you would like us to complete a Winter Drain Down service on your Holiday Home, please fill in the below form:

Central Heating

If you would like us to check the anti-freeze check at your Holiday Home, please fill in the below form:

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Look out for seasonal activities such as the Settle FlowerPot Festival, which runs annually through Summer and is a great way to explore.

What is there to see?

Settle is home to a selection of independent shops from outdoor outfitters such as Castleberg Outdoors and Three Peaks Cycles, to unique shops such as Studio Vault and Car and Kitchen.

Take a hike!

Whether you fancy a gentle stroll along the river banks as you wander around this popular Yorkshire Dales town, or something a little more strenuous.

Why not walk up to Castleberg Crag and enjoy the view over Settle and the Ribble Valley beyond? This visible limestone rock is a significant spot in Settles heritage and is now a haven for wildlife and a scenic place to visit.

Lime kilns

Tucked away near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales, the Craven Lime Works is a striking relic of Victorian industry, featuring three distinct types of lime kilns, including the awe-inspiring Hoffmann Kiln, the largest of its kind in the UK. Built in 1873, this massive oval-shaped structure once operated with 22 burning chambers in a continuous circuit, converting limestone into lime for agriculture and construction. Though long dormant, the site remains open to visitors, offering a self-guided trail with interpretive signs and a chance to walk through the eerie, tunnel-like kiln itself. It’s a hidden gem that blends industrial heritage with natural beauty. Why not enjoy our walk from Stainforth Foss to the Hoffman kiln?

The market square is bustling with independent eateries too. A popular spot for a sweet treat or a lunch break is the well know ‘Ye Olde Naked Man’, a local bakery and café.

For more information or inspiration, visit the Visit Settle website.

The post Places to Go: Settle appeared first on Riverside Caravan Park.

1. Walking in the National Park or National Landscape

We have an abundance of footpaths to explore on the doorstep and a short journey from us.  Our location means you can adventure amongst the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland with your 4-legged friend. There are plenty of trails suitable for dogs, offering breathtaking views of hills, valleys, and waterfalls. There are a variety of short and stile-free walks in both the Yorkshire Dales, find them here, and the Forest of Bowland, discover your favourite here.

2. Visit Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

Take your dog for a walk along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, located just a short drive from High Bentham. This picturesque trail is a 4.5 mile circular loop and takes you past a series of stunning waterfalls and woodland scenery. Find out more here.

3. Dog friendly drinking and dining

The majority, if not all, of the pubs and cafes in the area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a drink with your canine companion by your side. Check out the Black Bull or Coach House in High Bentham or nearby villages such as Ingleton, Clapham and Austwick, where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

4. Explore the Lancaster Canal

The Lancaster Canal offers a scenic route for leisurely walks with your dog along a fairly level route. You can stroll along the towpath, enjoying views of the canal and surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for wildlife and historic landmarks along the way.

5. Beach zoomies at Morecambe Bay

Head to Morecambe Bay, around 25 – 30 minutes drive from High Bentham. The beach is dog friendly from September to May so your furry friend can enjoy running in the sand and along the waters edge. From 1^st May to 30^th September, its equally as lovely to walk along the front and enjoy the views as well at the famous statue of Morecambe and Wise. Find out more about Morecambe here.

Wherever you take them, please always remember to clean up after your dog and respect any rules in place so that everyone can enjoy the dog friendly activities, whether they’re with a dog or not.

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The Yorkshire Dales National Park holds International Dark Sky Reserve Status. Benefiting from large areas free from light pollution and easily accessible by good roads, it’s a great place to enjoy the local dark skies.

So where can you see the stars if you’re staying with us?

On clear nights, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of our dark skies from your accommodation, whether in your own holiday home or tourer at Riverside Caravan Park.

Within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, we are fortunate enough to have five designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites within the National Landscape, 3 of which are  very close to us:

Gisburn Forest Hub and Slaidburn Village Car Park have easy access to the park, albeit over rural roads, which will be narrow and windy in some places. 

Going towards Lancaster, Crook o’ Lune Picnic Site is also a Dark Sky Discover Site.

Suppose you’d like to head into North Yorkshire to attempt astrophotography or enjoy the stars. In that case, Ribblehead Viaduct Car Park at Far Gearstons, LA6 3AS, is a great place to take in the beauty of this famous viaduct and the stunning stars. 

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the mysteries above, enjoying our evening skies will ignite a sense of wonder and enchantment within.

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This month, we’d love to send you on a low-level route which is brimming with surprises! Taking you to the Hoffman Kiln and other delights, this circular route is great for the whole family.

This walk is a joy throughout the seasons. In autumn, you can hope to catch a glimpse of the salmon leaping up the falls on the River Ribble at Stainforth Foss. Meandering through the small village of Langcliffe will bring you to a secret mill pond. Langcliffe was once a key leather processing community with a tannery and paper mill alongside a number of inns and two  churches. This sleepy settlement still retains much of this heritage and has a wonderful local spirit, demonstrated through the community gardens, which you will see on your walk.

The Hoffman Kiln, part of the Craven Limeworks trail, was built in 1987 to produce lime for the growing industrial towns of West Yorkshire. It’s one of three lime kilns along this route, all of which have their own fascinating role in our local history. The information boards on the trail mean you can learn all about this as you meander through the atmospheric kilns.

The route:

Distance:  3.4miles (5.5km)

Approx. Time: Approx. 2 -3 hours, depending on how long you spend admiring the kilns and waterfalls.

Terrain: Low level, so although you’ll be surrounded by hills you won’t need to climb them! Please be aware that it can be muddy and slippery in wet weather and some stiles can be a little difficult, so sensible footwear is advised. Grab your walking boots and view the route here

It will take you around 20 minutes to drive to the start of this route but the journey is very scenic.

There are toilets in Stainforth National Car Park and a number of pubs in Stainforth for post walk refreshments. You can make a day of it and call in to the market town of Settle afterwards for a wander around the boutique shops or grab a well-earned bite to eat in one of the many cafes, such as the famous ‘Ye Olde Naked Man Cafe’. 

The route passes through some farmland, so be aware of livestock and please leave gates how you find them. Please make sure to follow the countryside code.

Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception . Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and please do share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.

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However, it is also important that you spend your money wisely to avoid disappointment from what should be a wonderful occasion.

We’ve put together some handy hints to help you consider what is important during the purchasing process. As a family business, we’re passionate about positive purchasing, keen to ensure our prospective buyers are making a purchase that is truly right for them.

Place: Whilst a comfy bed and spacious en-suite are no doubt important, its key to find a park that is a realistic and enjoyable journey away from your residential home. We ask our customers to think about the time of day they’ll be travelling, such as after work on a Friday or on a Tuesday morning, as this could impact their journey time.

It’s also important that the location of your holiday home is also in an area that offers you the opportunity to enjoy your favourite past times when you’re on holiday. Whether you don’t want to leave the park or you want to be able to explore on foot or two wheels, you need to consider how easy this is to enjoy from your prospective park.

Price: It’s really important to consider your budget and not only for the purchase of the holiday home but for the annual costs associated with ownership. Buying a holiday home is an investment in your time, not a financial one. As with a car purchase, it is a depreciating asset and the return on investment is in the happy memories and quality time with loved ones enjoyed at your holiday home.

Annual costs include a pitch fee, which is the ground rent for having your holiday home on the park land. This cost includes the maintenance of the park, security and insurance provided by the park as well as some services such as wi-fi provision and, in some cases, water and business rates. There will also be the costs of your utilities to cover as well as your holiday home insurance. Park businesses will vary in how they charge for these elements so it’s important to consider this when comparing parks.

Paperwork: Buying a holiday caravan or lodge is a big financial commitment. It is important that customers understand exactly what they can expect for their money and this is often communicated through the use of a Licence and Purchase agreement. It is important the park you are purchasing from uses such agreements as part of the sale. As members of the BH&HPA, we use the model Purchase and Licence Agreements. These are designed to set out ownership terms and conditions, including how you can use your holiday caravan. It is key to consider the length of licence, which varies for 15 to 30+ years.

Park: Considering the top 3 points should help you decide which park is right for you. Ensure that the running costs are within your annual budget, and they offer to show you the necessary paperwork. If the park you like doesn’t meet these 3 needs then please continue searching.

Pitch: Once you’ve found your park, you can then choose a holiday home based on their pitch availability. The location you prefer on park may determine the size and layout of holiday home that will best meet your needs.

 You can find out more about the running costs at Riverside here and view the holiday homes we have available here. Our team are on hand to talk through these points and all associated costs with you when considering a holiday home on our park.

Further information on buying a holiday caravan can be found here.

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