Enjoy what must be one of the most scenic ascents of any mountain in England up the waterfall filled slopes of Buckden Gill, including a couple of short scrambles to get round the bigger cascades, to reach the atmospheric ruins of Buckden Lead Mine. Here your guide will tell you about the mystery of ‘Buckden Bill’ as well as the history of the mine itself before a last pull up to the summit of Buckden Pike. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch of local produce while taking in the stunning views over much of the Dales (and further on a clear day) before visiting the nearby war memorial, erected to commemerate the Polish airmen whose bomber crashed into the hillside during a snowstorm in 1942. 

Find out the story of the lone survivor then descend back into Wharfedale along ancient ‘green lanes’. Stop in the pretty village of Starbotton for a well-earned drink at the village pub before finishing the day with a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Wharfe back to Buckden.

Length: 7.5 miles 
Ascent: 550 metres 
Duration: 6.5 hours, including a picnic lunch and a drink in the pub. 
Terrain: Narrow paths and short (straightforward) scrambles along the gill to ascend Buckden Pike. Peat moorland, broad tracks, farmland and riverside on the return.