SETTLE–CARLISLE LINE

Encompassing 21 viaducts, this wonder was built under awful conditions in the 1870s by 6,000 navvies – one of whose camps’ remains can still be glimpsed. That’s near soaring Ribblehead, close to where the greatest viaduct of them all takes you high across a chasm. Another standout is Ais Gill’s 1,198ft summit but, in truth, all 72 miles are really one long, continuous highlight: a testament to both Victorian engineering engineerin and northern England’s Englan grand, bumpy scen scenery. You’ll start in the rolling, roll winsome Yorkshire Yo Dales and finish by traversing the lonelier North Pennines.

Sit on: Either side amazes.

Stay overnight: Settle’s Set Golden Lion Inn delivers delive big dinners and bigger rooms ro (from £110 B&B, goldenlionsettle.co.uk). goldenlionset