Buckden Pike
One of the highest fells in the Yorkshire Dales
The hike provides fantastic views along Wharfedale, scaling the height of Buckden Pike, passing an iconic memorial to some Polish pilots who were killed in a plane crash during World War II. Upon arrival there is a pub car park in buckden at the foot of the hike, that I parked in free of charge. Or if you are willing to pay, there is also a paid car park 100 metres from the pub.
From the car park I headed towards the steep stoney path, with views of the path carved into the landscape. Once at the top I tuned left through a gate and headed right onto well a maintained path, which heads onto the summit of the pike. (It is only a short walk to the summit, but be preapred for steep ascending) Upon arrival, I didn’t realise how windy it would be on the tops. I’ve never experienced anything like it before! Be prepared to shelter if you are caught out like I was, it was awful I had to shelter behind a wall on the summit away from the wind so I could eat my lunch. Luckily, I was rewarded with views over Walden head, admiring the rolling landscape. From there, I headed back down the valley towards Buckden, following the well maintained path that rewarded me with rays of sunshine that shone over the u-shape valley of Starbottom. On the valley floor, I followed the path besides the river bank enjoying the tranquility of the flowing water.
Distance: 8 miles / 12km
Max Elevation: 2,303 ft / 702 metres
