Buckden to Starbotton hillside and river walk
A circular walk on the fellside with classic views along the Wharfe valley, returning along the beautiful riverside path of the River Wharfe.

Start:
Buckden car park, grid ref: SD943774
1
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.
River Wharfe
On the way down to Starbotton you get good views of the River Wharfe in the valley below as it meanders its way around the floodplain. Where we can we're looking for ways to slow the flow of water entering the main river from the fells, hopefully reducing the peak of flood flows further down the dale.

5
At Starbotton carry on through the village and cross the main road. Follow the bridleway signposted to Arncliffe along a narrow walled lane to the bridge across the river

6
Cross the bridge then turn right, following the Dales Way back to Buckden.
Wellingtonia trees
As you get nearer to Buckden you will walk along an old Victorian carriage drive. Many of the trees here were planted to create a wooded landscape garden

End:
Buckden car park, grid ref: SD943774