Getting there
Walk 2 18 miles (29km) north of Skipton; follow signs from Threshfield Buckden to and Kettlewell. Pride of the Dales 72, Skipton to Buckden; 800/5, Leeds & Ilkley Starbotton hillside to Buckden. On Yorkshire Dales Cycleway –National Cycle Network and river walk Regional route 10. Follow B6160 from Kettlewell to Buckden.
Buckden is on the Dales Way long distance footpath.
Grade: Moderate Walking
A circular walk on the fellside with classic views along the Time: 2 Hours Wharfe valley, returning along the beautiful riverside path of the River Wharfe. Distance: 5 miles [8 kilometres] Moderately energetic circular walk of approximately 5 miles (8km). There's a rather steep climb from Buckden up the Map: Explorer OL32 Centenary Path then it's fairly flat until the descent down into Starbotton. The return to Buckden is along the river bank on Dog friendly the Dales Way.
Route details
Buckden, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5JX With thanks to the National Trust for compiling this walk. Buckden to Starbotton hillside and river walk
1 Start: Buckden car park, grid ref: SD943774
Leave Buckden car park through the bridleway gate leading away from the village. Immediately turn right behind the car park at the sign (Buckden Lead Mine and Starbotton) and follow the path to a stile. Cross the stile and continue until you reach a track. Turn right and follow the track until you arrive at the sheep pens on your right. 2 Cross the beck, using the stepping stones, and follow the path signed to Buckden Lead Mine. Occasionally it may not be possible to cross the beck due to high water.
Centenary Path
“Helped by volunteer groups, we rebuilt and opened this section of permitted footpath to celebrate the Trust's Centenary in 1995.”
3 Above the steep and strenuous section of the Centenary Path, the path approaches a wall, then doubles back on itself, heading towards a footpath sign. 4 Follow the sign for Starbotton, cross the wall stile then follow the waymarker posts down into Starbotton.
Wildflowers
“In summer the lane is a mass of wildflowers. You may see meadow sweet, meadow cranesbill, wood cranesbill, water avens, melancholy thistle, knapweed, greater knapweed and yarrow.” 5 At Starbotton carry on through the village and cross the main road. Follow the bridleway signposted to Arncliffe. 6 When you reach the river cross the bridge then turn right, following the Dales Way back to Buckden.
Views of the River Wharfe
“The River Wharfe begins its journey high up on the fells above Langstrothdale.”
End: Buckden car park, grid ref: SD94377