The Station Inn, Carnforth

This remote North Yorkshire pub clearly relies on the draw of the adjacent Ribblehead Viaduct to run its business. As we approached the vicinity, it was clear that there were plenty of visitors to the viaduct, including a few coaches. The car park at the rear of the pub was filled mainly with caravans and mobile homes. There are also a few rooms that belong to the pub. We walked into a packed pub with all tables taken. After getting served, we managed to bag a couple of seats at the end of an occupied table. However, after about 10 minutes, the pub emptied dramatically. Seemingly a train to Leeds was due in the nearby station and the customers were in fact mostly daytrippers by train. Those left were presumably owners of the mobile homes, caravans or part of the coach parties! With the train actually being delayed, we supped our drinks in a bit more of a relaxed setting before heading outside to see it pass across the nearby landmark! The house beer here is Tirril 1875, the year that the viaduct was completed. It seemed rude not to try that one whilst I was here. It was in reasonable condition, but wasn't really my kind of beer. The other regular beer was Black Sheep Best Bitter. Guest beers were Black Sheep Blitzen (being sold at a reduced price) and Banks's Brewdolph. It's worth a stop here if travelling through the Dales. The Viaduct is impressive, but the pub is also worth a visit in its own right.

Isolated pub - with Ribblehead station and a handful of cottages. Yet it was quite busy - a few ramblers - myself included - on a Friday Lunchtime but also a number of people who had arrived for food. Bar, with some stools at far end - typical pub tables/chairs, leading to a bigger restaurant area at the back. At least four real ales on - and I went for the Eponymous Ribbehead Bitter from Settle Brewery - which was in fine condition.

This pub is set with the rather splendid Ribblehead Viaduct as its backdrop and must be a welcome sight for the walkers that this area is popular with. As you enter via the front door the bar area is to the right with six hand pulls atop the bar, though three of those were off. Available was Ribblehead Bitter (Settle), 1875 (Tirril) and Riggwelter (Black Sheep). In fact, the Ribblehead Bitter seemed to go off at some point during my stay, but something on the same pump was being pulled through as I left. I went for the 1875 which set me back £2 for a half, which is a little on the expensive side though this is the only pub in the area so little in the way of competition and if you're thirsty you will pay. Hot drinks are also available, as is food. The bar area was pretty full with all the tables occupied so I went for a wander through to the other side of the pub where there is an area with tables, leaflets for local attractions, books to read etc, then another area beyond this which looked more cosy, carpeted and has a fire (not in use yesterday). Service was polite enough though not particularly friendly. The sign above the gents boasts a "loo with a view" and indeed there is a clear window above the urinals with a view across the beer garden to the Ribblehead Viaduct. Accommodation is available. Wi-Fi is available and the code is above the bar. As there is pretty much no phone signal in this area, I am sure this would be welcome to a lot of people. A shame that half the pump clips were turned round but perhaps they are only all on at weekend or in the height of summer when the place is likely to be busier.