St Leonard’s, Chapel le Dale

St Leonard’s, Chapel le Dale, is a tiny, simple, church, once a chapel of ease for St John’s in Low Bentham, much visited by worshippers and walkers alike. St Leonard’s is an unofficial title, only in use since the last century. The chapel likely dates from the 16th century, though it is probably an ancient site, and was painted by JMW Turner. There are some 200 unmarked burials in the churchyard, the graves of those who died, by accident or illness, during the building of the nearby Ribblehead viaduct and Blea Moor tunnel. They are commemorated inside. There is a small car park (not available during services) and it is an excellent start point for walks. Don’t miss the boggart.