THE Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line (FoSCL) has organised three days of themed walks based around the TV series Jericho.

The drama was inspired by the construction of the world-famous 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct.

FoSCL chairman, Douglas Hodgins, said: "Jericho was a real navvy encampment, one of several clustered around Ribblehead and Blea Moor.

"These days bout are a terrific opportunity to see what was where and to get an on-the-spot idea of the conditions in which the navvies and their families lived, and died."

The free walks will take place on June 2, July 28, and August 11, and participants should meet at Ribblehead Station at noon.

There will be talks and informal discussions at the station's visitor centre about Jericho shanty town and the surrounding area. There will also be several display boards, pottery pieces and glassware found in the shanty town area, alongside a mannequin dressed as a typical navvy.

The group will then walk to the Ribblehead Viaduct along a stony track.

Interpretation of the shanty towns area will be explained before walkers are returned to the visitor centre for 1.45pm in time to catch the 2.05pm train to Garsdale Station (fare payable on the train or at a staffed station).

The actual Jericho site will be pointed out during the journey, and there will be a tour looking at the bronze statue of Ruswarp – 'the dog that saved the line' – and the interpretation display boards at Garsdale Station.

The return journey back to Ribblehead will be on the Leeds-bound 3.13pm train from Garsdale.

Walkers should take a packed lunch, but drinks can be purchased at the visitor centre. Strong shoes are advised together with waterproofs, in case of bad weather. The walks are not suitable for people with limited mobility.

E-mail ruth.evans@settle-carlisle.com or call 01524 811492 for more details about the tours.

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