Things to see & do
Explore Wharfedale
The peaceful footpath through Strans Wood
© National Trust
Wharfedale is a spectacular place to visit all year round, with wonderful views and excellent walking opportunities.
We have lots of great walking routes to suit all abilities.
Pick up a leaflet from our exhibition barn in Buckden when you arrive.
River Wharfe
Rivers that run through here go beyond Wetherby and into the Vale of York
© National Trust
The River Wharfe is a beautiful river, perfect to stroll along or picnic beside.
Keep an eye open for dippers, brown trout and if you're really lucky, an otter.
Farming in the Dales
The glorious display of summer flowers in the meadows at Yockenthwaite
© National Trust
Upper Wharfedale is a landscape sculpted by thousands of years of farming.
The hill farms today are still working farms, mainly farming sheep and cattle.
The hay meadows are beautiful in summer and are very precious to the farmers, wildlife and to us.
Activities
We have a variety of guided walks throughout the year and lots of activities for the kids too. You can also explore Wharfedale without us, by foot, by bike, by horse and by car.
Don't miss...
- A stroll along the river and look out for dippers or even an otter
- Enjoy the spectacular views from any of the footpaths in Wharfedale
- Have a picnic along the banks of the river
- A 'must do' for the energetic is a hike up Buckden Pike
- Join us for one of our guided walks
- Pause at our exhibition in Buckden - see how climate change affects us
Upper Wharfedale wildlife walk
Meadow cranesbill is just one of the wildflowers that you may pass
© northeastwildlife.co.uk
Discover a landscape of limestone pavement, glaciated valleys and flower-rich hay meadows in the glorious setting of the Yorkshire Dales. The farming of this area has moulded and created many interesting wildlife habitats: from hillside streams and craggy outcrops to blanket bog and dry-stone walls.
Buckden Pike and lead mine walk
Buckden Gavel Lead Mine is now an important habitat for bats and mosses
© National Trust/ Peter Katic
Discover remnants of the lead mining industry set within the beautiful, diverse landscape of Upper Wharfedale; from upland hill farms and hay meadows along the River Wharfe to wild moorland, big skies and far-reaching views at Buckden Pike.
Horse Head Moor and Deepdale walk
The beautiful three peaks view on a clear and crisp wintry day
© National Trust / Katharina von Schack
Get away from it all and enjoy this invigorating walk up Horse Head Pass and along the remote moorland ridge, with magnificent views of the Three Peaks, returning along the beautiful River Wharfe.