Upper Wharfedale Ranger Run
Discover the Wharfedale Valley on this moderate trail run. The circular route begins by following the meandering River Wharfe through farmland and small Yorkshire villages, crossing country bridges and passing a medieval church. The trail then climbs to higher ground above the dale, tackling limestone terraces and woodland, and offering views across the glacial-formed valley. This route was created in collaboration with trail runners Jen and Sim Benson as part of our Ranger Run Series.
Near to
Yorkshire DalesStart point
Yorkshire Dales National Par car park Buckden, Skipton, BD23 5JA. Grid ref: SD942773.Trail information
Tell friends and family
There's limited phone signal so let someone know where you're going.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Yorkshire Dales National Par car park Buckden, Skipton, BD23 5JA. Grid ref: SD942773.
Stage 1
Turn left out of the car park and cross the road to head across the village green. Turn right onto the road (Dubb's Lane) and cross the bridge over the River Wharfe before going through the gate on your right to follow the Dales Way footpath. Follow this footpath as it runs alongside the river and then back onto the road to Hubberholme. Take care on the road.
Stage 2
At Hubberholme, cross the bridge and go around the back of the church where you will pick up a footpath running alongside the River Wharfe. Follow this footpath until you reach Yockenthwaite.
Stage 3
Once at Yockenthwaite, follow the footpath up the hill and around the back of the farm, following signs to Scar House. Turn right off the steep farm track at another footpath sign, which will take you through Strans Wood and then onto the open hillside. Continue until you reach Scar House.
Stage 4
From Scar House, continue on the footpath towards Cray, keeping the woodland boundary on your right.
Northern Brown Argus butterfly | © National Trust Images/Matthew Oates Stage 5
Continue on the footpath towards Cray as it bears gently left towards Crook Gill.
Stage 6
Cross Crook Gill and continue through hay meadows until you reach the hamlet of Cray. Please remember to run in single file along the signposted footpaths through the fields, as hay is a valuable crop to farmers and can suffer if it's trampled.
Stage 7
At Cray, cross the road (Park Lane) and go over the stepping stones to join a fellside path. Head up the hill – the last little climb – to the small gate at the top. Turn right on the footpath and it's downhill on the track all the way to Buckden and the end of the trail.
End point
Yorkshire Dales National Par car park Buckden, Skipton, BD23 5JA. Grid ref: SD942773.
Trail map
Upper Wharfedale Ranger Run map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Explore Langstrothdale by bike trail
Explore the Langstrothdale valley in the Yorkshire Dales on this linear cycle trail, which takes in farmland, medieval churches, ancient stone circles, and a forest home to wild flowers and wildlife.
Buckden to Kettlewell walk
Explore the Yorkshire Dales and spot kingfishers and other water wildlife on this easy linear walk, which follows the River Wharfe through fields, farmland, and along historic dry-stone walls.
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
Outdoor activities
Searching for a new outdoor activity to try? Discover the best places in our care for outdoor activities, including off-road cycle tracks, walking trails and coastlines for watersports.
Outdoor activities in Yorkshire
Whether you fancy a cycling, climbing or running adventure in the Yorkshire Dales, prefer the excitement of orienteering in the countryside, or would like to try fossil hunting on the coast, there's plenty of ways to get outside in Yorkshire.
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.
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.
Trail runs designed by our rangers
From the wild coastline of Devon to the ghostly remains of copper mines in Eryri (Snowdonia), these trail runs, designed by our rangers, will take you to some unforgettable locations.
Top running routes with a view
Reward your next run with a view to remember. From coast to countryside, find a trail with some of the best scenery, views and wildlife at the places we look after.
Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the best walking, running and cycling routes around the Yorkshire Dales.
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.