Buckden Pike Summit

The patchwork pastureland, drystone walls and green valleys of idyllic Wharfedale create a scene of quintessential Yorkshire charm. Hikes to Buckden Pike rank amongst the finest in not only this region, but in the entire Yorkshire Dales National Park. Rising high above the head of the dale alongside neighbouring Great Whernside, it is a hill of great character and boasts huge views.

Glorious hiking on one of the Dales’ most beloved hills

Walking routes to Buckden Pike make use of well-constructed paths built to protect the fragile peat moorland; make sure you stick to them. Three dales - Wharfedale, Bishopdale and Walden - act as starting points. Cascading waterfalls can be visited along Buckden Beck, each a glorious sight.

A popular challenge is to tackle both Buckden Pike and Great Whernside, taking in two of the Dales’ highest points in a single outing. The remains of the Buckden Lead Mine make for a worthwhile detour on the hill’s western flanks.

The village of Buckden is a great base, with a number of cottages and B&Bs. Ascents from here are steep and boggy, so make sure you are prepared and equipped for such terrain. To the south, the larger village of Kettlewell boasts quaint tearooms and cosy pubs for some post-hike nourishment. Further south is Skipton, one of the Dales’ principal gateway towns, with gear shops and all manner of amenities.

Once on the summit, you can drink in the glorious views. Wharfdale’s other giant, Great Whernside, rises splendidly to the south east. In the west are the heartlands of the Yorkshire Dales, with the distinctive profiles of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent stealing the show.

To the south of the summit is a memorial cross in memory of five Polish airmen who tragically passed away when their Wellington Bomber crashed here on 30th January 1942.