This circular walk in Upper Wharfedale from Arncliffe to
Buckden offers the walker a number of contrasting sights.
A pub features in all the walks on this site, however, there
are 6 to choose from on this circular walk! The walk starts
in Arncliffe with a climb up Old Cote Moor and descent into
Kettlewell.
The Dales Way is followed along the banks of the Wharfe to
Buckden with a possible stop at Starbotton. The return leg
from Buckden takes a route over Firth Fell through the National
Trust Access Area. A steep ascent to the trig point at the
top affords panoramic views of the area; followed by an equally
steep descent to Litton. The walk concludes in Littondale
with a relaxing stroll along the bank of the River Skirfare
back to Arncliffe.
At
12.5 miles however the walk as described above might be a little
too much. So two alternatives are offered:
1. Arncliffe - Kettlewell - Starbotton - Arncliffe is 6.6 miles.
2. Arncliffe - Starbotton -Buckden - Litton - Arncliffe is 10
miles
The Blue Bell Inn,
Kettlewell Open
all day
Food: 12.00 - 14.30; 18.30 - 21.00
Arncliffe
to Kettlewell
Follow the road sign to Litton. The FP sign to Kettlewell is seen
to the right just after the road bridge. A steep uphill climb
over stiles and through gates now ensues. The path is often rocky
in places. A ladder stile at the top of the climb leads into the
National Trust Access Area; a grassy path leads down into Kettlewell.
On meeting the road the Dales Way to Starbotton is seen on the
left. Otherwise carry on over the road bridge to the Blue Bell
Inn or the Racehouses Hotel. (2.5 miles time = 75 min) Arncliffe
to Starboton
Follow the road sign to Litton. Go over the road bridge to the
T-junction; the FP to Starbotton start here. After an initial
steep climb through the meadow the path bears right along the
bridleway. The path is straightforward; climbing to the top of
the fell and then down into Starbotton. (2.5 miles; time = 105
min). Kettlewell
to Starbotton
Carry on along the Dales Way. The path is quite straightforward
and well trodden. For a diversion to the Fox and Hounds use the
path over the foobridge to Starbotton. (2 miles; time = 50 min).
Starbotton
to Buckden
The Dales Way continues to Buckden. On reaching the road close
to Buckden turn right to find the
Buck Inn just after the village green. (2 miles time = 55
min). Starbotton
to Arncliffe
The path starts on the roadside on the right about 250 yd from
the Fox and Hounds. After the bridge follow the FP sign to Arncliffe.
(2.5 miles; time = 105 min). Buckden
to Litton
Retrace the path along the road to Redmire and look for the BW
sign to Litton. A steady climb ensues which initially zig-zags
up the fell side. The path continues following blue waymarkers
up the steep fell side. On approaching the fell top follow the
stone wall on the right. The trig point can be seen some distance
away on the left. Carry on through the wooden gate. The path now
decends again following the dead straight wall; at the end of
which the path bears right and Litton can be seen in the distance.
The Queens Arms is on the right on entering the village. (3.5
miles; time = 125 min.) Litton
to Arncliffe
The path to Litton continues 20 yd after the pub; a BW sign points
to the ford over the River Skirfare. At the river turn left and
then amost immediately right over the ford. The FP sign to Arncliffe
points the way; initially following close to the river and then
over meadow land. The path goes through the English Nature Reseve
of Scoska Wood. On reaching Arncliffe the Falcon Arms is seen
on the left. ( 2 miles; time = 55 min).
The Racehorses Hotel, Kettlewell Open
all day
Food: 12.00 - 14.30; 18.30 - 21.00
The
Fox and Hounds, Starbottom
Closed late afternoon
Open
all day
Arncliffe
to Kettlewell 
Kettlewell
to Starbotton 
Starbotton
to Buckden
Buckden
to Litton
Litton
to Arncliffe 
Open
all day
Closed late afternoon