Yockenthwaite to Cray walk, Upper Wharfdale

This 7 km circular weaves together four of Upper Wharfedale's most characterful hamlets, beginning at Yockenthwaite and following the young River Wharfe downstream through meadows and pockets of native woodland. The path tracks the water closely, with limestone outcrops above and the steep, drystone-walled sides of the dale rising on either hand.

You soon reach Hubberholme, tucked beside a stone bridge over the Wharfe, before the route continues to Buckden, the largest of the settlements on the walk and a natural pausing point. From here the path turns and climbs onto the eastern flank of the dale, gaining most of the 241 m of ascent as it heads north towards Cray, set high above the valley floor.

The return leg drops back down through pasture and along the beck to rejoin the riverside path near Hubberholme, then follows the Wharfe west once more to Yockenthwaite. Expect classic Dales scenery throughout: hay meadows, barns, becks and broad views up and down the valley.