Yorkshire Dales Walk
Yockenthwaite & Hubberholme from Buckden
Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL30 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer OL30 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 98 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 98 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description

Click image to visit gallery of 9 images.
This Yorkshire Dales walk combines an outward leg along a limestone escarpment to Yockenthwaite with a return route alongside the River Wharfe via Hubberholme using the Dales Way. Taking in the head of Wharfedale and lower Langstrothdale it provides the walker with plenty of interest and some fine 'Dales' scenery. On those days when Buckden Pike is clothed in cloud this walk provides a wonderful substitute despite its relatively low level.
The start is the large carpark in Buckden (Grid ref. SD942773). After parking take the northern exit and follow the track rising through Rakes Wood to join Buckden Rake. This is followed north to Cray High Bridge where the road is joined. Turn left and descend along the road and just before the Inn (grid ref. 942792) turn right following the signed path to Scar House that runs west.
The next section is delightful with grass underfoot and superb views down Wharfedale. Note the cairn to the right of the path (Grid ref. 929788) from where the definitive view down Wharfedale can be enjoyed. The going remains easy as you approach Scar House from where it is possible to shorten the route by descending directly to Hubberholme.
However we leave Scar House and continue on the high level path passing through a short section of deciduous woodland to cross a number of small fields. The path then descends to Yockenthwaite where a fine bridge spans the River Wharfe. Just before reaching the river turn left along the Dales Way. The path is good, the views excellent and progress fast as you head downstream to Hubberholme.
The church tower comes into view before the rather squat but picturesque church can be fully enjoyed. A visit is recommended before crossing the Wharfe and following the road towards Buckden. It is a pity that the Dales Way does not cross the fields on this section as the road is quite narrow and can be busy at peak times. However the road walking is short lived and you turn left along a signed path to rejoin the river bank for the final section back to Buckden.
Note :- The photos for this walk description were taken during early June when the wildflower meadows are near their best. Even a non-botanist will soon realise that there are more than a dozen types of wild flowers. With encouragement from the National Park Authority and other interested parties the superb displays of wild flowers have become more widespread as farmers delay harvesting their hay meadows.
Other walks nearby
Walk 1281 | Buckden Pike from Buckden | moderate | 10.5 miles |
Walk 2132 | Buckden Pike and Hubberholme | moderate | 8.4 miles |
Walk 1926 | Pen-y-ghent & Littondale | hard | 16.0 miles |
Walk 1250 | Great Whernside from Kettlewell | moderate | 8.0 miles |
Walk 1277 | Starbotton from Kettlewell | easy/mod | 5.0 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: North and East
This guidebook contains 43 circular day walks in the north and east Yorkshire Dales. It explores the dales, hills and moors between Kirkby Stephen and Pateley Bridge. Walking ranges from gentle 3 mile strolls to more strenuous day-long rambles across the Howgills, Wensleydale, Swaledale, Nidderdale, Mallerstang and Coverdale.
More information
Trail and Fell Running in the Yorkshire Dales
Guidebook to 40 of the best trail and fell runs in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Ranging from 5 to 24 miles, the graded runs start from bases such as Ribblehead, Dent, Sedbergh, Malham and Grassington and take in the region's diverse delights, from castles and waterfalls to iconic mountains such as Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen Y Ghent.
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The End to End Trail
Further Information
Walk Location Map
Yorkshire Dales Walking
The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers an extensive area, which contains a wide variety of scenic interest. Each Dale is usually named after its river although there are a few examples that don't follow this rule. The varied underlying geology is reflected in the scenery with limestone and gritstone the prominent rocks resulting in virtually every type of scenery from dry valleys to wild moorland. More Information
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
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