Buckden to Kettlewell walk
Discover views across the Yorkshire Dales on the easy Buckden to Kettlewell walk. Part of the mighty Dales Way footpath, this trail follows the River Wharfe as it winds its way through fields and farmland and between historic dry-stone walls. Wildlife fans can look out for kingfishers, trout and other animals in and on the water.
Near to
Yorkshire DalesStart point
Yorkshire Dales National Park car park Buckden, Skipton BD23 5JA. Grid ref: SD942773.Trail information
*An easy, flat linear route that follows a well-signed route. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**A level trail that follows footpaths. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome and should be kept under control. For further details please see section marked Facilities.
The Dales Way
This trail is part of the Dales Way, a long-distance footpath that stretches almost 80 miles (129km) from Cumbria to West Yorkshire.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Yorkshire Dales National Park car park Buckden, Skipton BD23 5JA. Grid ref: SD942773.
Stage 1
From the car park cross over the road and walk down the village green towards the river. After crossing the bridge turn left through a wooden gate to join the Dales Way. Follow the path along the river bank keeping the River Wharfe on your left. Continue through the fields up to a wooden gate.
Stage 2
Go through the wooden gate and follow the path up to a farm track. Continue left along the farm track, passing an old barn on your right, until you come to a fork in the track.
Stage 3
Turn left at the fork and continue to follow the Dales Way path through the fields heading south towards Kettlewell.
A dipper perched on a rock | © National Trust Images/Richard Bradshaw Stage 4
As you pass Starbotton on the opposite side of the river, continue on through the fields keeping the river on your left.
Stage 5
Continue on this path through the hay meadows. The path then starts to move uphill towards Kettlewell. Follow this path and go through the gate and out onto the main road. Walk down the road to get into Kettlewell village centre. From here you can either walk back the way you came or catch a bus back up to the car park at Buckden.
Yellow rattle | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton End point
Kettlewell village centre, Skipton, BD23 5QX. Grid ref: SD969723.
Trail map
Buckden to Kettlewell walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll
A short linear walk along the scenic shores of Malham Tarn, a beautiful and internationally important wetland site.
Buckden to Starbotton hillside and river walk
Discover a 5-mile circular walk on the fellside at the National Trust's Buckden and Starbottom including a return along the River Wharfe path.
Malham Tarn upland farm circular walk
Discover England's highest lime-rich lake, home to a unique community of rare plants and animals.
Malham village to Janet's Foss
Walk this easy-to-follow, there-and-back scenic walk from Malham village to the waterfall at Janet's Foss.
Get in touch
Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Wing, Malham Tarn House, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PU
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in Yorkshire
Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast, to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the best walking, running and cycling routes around the Yorkshire Dales.
Visiting the Yorkshire Dales with your dog
The Yorkshire Dales is very dog friendly, and with miles of footpaths to explore, trees to sniff and grass to roll in, your four-legged friend should have a great day.
Things to look out for in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the Yorkshire Dales with their rolling countryside, steep-sided valleys, heather-covered moorland and a patchwork of dry stone walls and barns.