Walk 2493 - printer friendly version

Cow Close Gill Waterfalls Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.6 miles / 7.5 km

Ascent - 600 feet / 182 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SD942773
Lat 54.1914310 + Long -2.0903861
Postcode BD23 5JA (approx. location only)

Starting from Buckden in Wharfedale this walk provides the chance to see and explore Cow Close Gill Waterfall. The route follows good paths through glorious scenery. Along the way you can also visit St Michael and All Angels church at Hubberholme before following the Dales Way back to the start. There are three pubs on the walk - the Buck Inn at Buckden, the White Lion at Cray and the George Inn at Hubberholme.

The walk starts from the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park at Buckden (grid ref. SD942773). After parking walk to the north end of the car park and join the Pennine Journey long distance trail. The clear path climbs steadily through the scattered trees of Rakes Wood onto open pastures with an excellent view to the left across Upper Wharfedale. Ignore paths to the right and left and continue into a side valley. The path soon becomes level with the view ahead including Cray High Bridge.

As you approach the road you cross Cow Close Gill. To your right you can see a dramatic series of cascades at the gill tumbles down the fellside. If time permits turn right off the main path and walk up beside the gill to explore the waterfalls. The best time to see the falls is after a period of heavy rain as they are extremely dramatic when in spate. After exploring the falls, return to the main path and continue up to the road (grid ref. SD944797).

Turn left and head downhill to Cray. Leave the right and follow a track running behind the White Lion (signed to Yockenthwaite and Stubbing Bridge). Reaching a fork in the track, keep right and continue past the buildings and turn left at the fingerpost and descend across open country down to the River Wharfe. The path continues beside the river on your left to reach Stubbing Bridge. Turn right along the lane and continue for 800 metres to Hubberholme with its lovely church and the George Inn (grid ref. SD926782). Turn left in front of the George Inn and continue for 600 metres to reach a gate on the left with an adjacent fingerpost. Pass through the gate to follow the broad path (part of the Dales Way) which soon reaches the River Wharfe. Continue beside the river to reach Dubb's Lane. Turn left and return to Buckden village.

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.