The Forty-First of our “Hubberton Hikers Hikes” is now scheduled for Saturday June 24th 2006. The hike is planned to start at 11am from Buckden National Car Park. The hike is approximately 13.5 miles long and will take about 5 to 5.5 hours at a gentle pace. It is planned to have a drink and dinner at either the Buck Inn Buckden or Henri’s Bistro Skipton when the hike is completed.
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Directions: From Keighley, take A629 to Skipton, continuing along the bypass to
the 2nd Skipton roundabout. Take the A65 towards Leeds / Bradford / Harrogate,
picking up signposts for Grassington. Follow the signs left at the next roundabout
onto the B6265, following this road to Threshfield, just short of Grassington.
Then turn left onto the B6160, following the road through Kettlewell to Buckden.
Park in the Buckden National Car Park.
The walk itself begins by following a stony path that leads up the gentle gradient of Buckden Rake, an ever-popular path used by the Romans, (ask Brian Ennis!). The moorland heights of Birks Fell ridge rise firmly behind, a ridge that will be crossed twice before the day is over. The old way turns to commence a delightful level section with the buildings of Cray down to the left. An easily missed little gate takes a path down the field house to ford Cray Gill, joining the road right next to the pub. Behind the pub a track runs on above the various farm buildings. A level field path takes over, steadily curving round to a footbridge over Crook Gill. A long easy mile ensues along the short-cropped turf of Scar Top. Cloaked in trees on the left is a well-defined escarpment. In contrast, slopes to the north rise more steadily on unfrequented Yockenthwaite Moor. Just beneath the path is the unexpected appearance of Scar House, a scene of early Quaker gatherings. A sketchy path continues on an obvious course through the minor outcrops of a limestone shelf. Further level walking earns outstanding views over the Youthful River Wharfe to the patiently waiting ridge opposite. Through a small wood the path crosses over Strans Gill, a limestone ravine beneath which lurks a complex caving system, (Dave/Brian). The path resumes as before until a gap in a wall sends it down to trace the base of a wooded bank. The rest of the Walk can be obtained from Leader if desired before the date, otherwise follow "YOUR LEADER" on the day. |
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ANY FRIENDS OR FAMILY CAN JOIN THIS BRILLIANT BAND OF PEOPLE ON THE DAY AT THE SAID TIME. PLEASE INFORM LEADER OF ANY INTAKES!
Birks Fell is the central point of a ridge stretching over 11 miles/18Km from Knipe Scar in the east to an arbitrary conclusion in Ribblesdale, beyond the wilds of Cosh. It divides Upper Wharfedale from Littondale, and walkers have the benefit of it being crossed by a string of inter valley paths. The start will be taken at a leisurely pace so as to make sure that ALL those who wish to complete the hike will do so. PLEASE take note of "ANDYS AMBLING ADVICE" and ensure that warm and waterproof clothing is/are taken in case of any change in the weather.
A MAP of the walk is available HERE.
A Microsoft Word version of this page is available for download here (272Kb)
This page last updated on 17th June 2006