Sheffield Environmental Movement (SEM) and Access the Dales on Friday September 19th 2025 organised a joint initiative for the 20 women from the Sheffield & District African Caribbean Community to offer a life-time railway experience from Skipton to Ribblehead in the Yorkshire Dales aimed at discovering Wild Ingleborough:
As Debbie North of Access The Dales puts it “It is a Railway Journey to Nature”.
A statement that Dr Maxwell Ayamba BEM, CEO, Sheffield Environmental Movement (SEM) concurs, arguing “That is because there are several opportunities to explore nature in different ways and we need to be innovative in connecting people to nature, however the challenge is funding as these types of activities require cost to take people out to explore and discover nature beyond their home environments”.
This unique train journey day trip thus enabled the women to experience the scenic Settle to Carlisle Railway from Skipton to Ribblehead, culminating in a visit to the Wild Ingleborough promoting access to nature with a focus on inclusivity, mental wellbeing, and environmental connection. The journey provided participants with a memorable and enriching experience in the Yorkshire Dales, but in addition it helped to promote wellbeing through time in nature and community connection.
As Debbie explained, the trip further showcased accessible routes and inclusive outdoor activities especially for people from minoritised communities. She noted it was also to inspire confidence in using public transport to access rural nature, encourage positive mental health through time outdoors, but in addition build community and shared experiences between groups.
The women were shown an exhibition of Ribblehead Station and followed by a short history of Ribblehead Station and the construction of Ribblehead Via Duct in 1875 and taken on a short, guided walk to Ribblehead Viaduct led by Jonathan, a volunteer from Access The Dales.