Buckden Pike via Buckden Mine
Walk 9- Buckden Pike via Buckden Mine - 8 miles - 4.5 hours. A good circular walk missing out some of the boggy bits on Buckden Pike and full of interest - this is not in the guide books as far as I am aware. Also there is the possibility of a more direct descent down the the ravine from the mine for the more adventurous Back to Upper Wharfedale Page
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| Relatively featureless summit of Buckden Pike but an excellent view! | Buckden Mine |
Start at Buckden car park and proceed through gate on old coach road. When the road levels out after about 1 mile and passes through second gate the path veers to the right (signposted) and climbs diagonally upwards on a clear path to eventually reach the summit. A surface path has been created on the approach to the trig point. Cross the wall by means of the stile, turn right and follow the wall for a few hundred yards. A very narrow stile will be seen on the right hand side (at the intersection with another wall). Passing through the stile proceed downwards on feint path over rough grassland. This will veer to the left of a wall dropping still further downwards emerging to the right hand side of Buckden Mine. Have a look around the mine working and tunnel entrance.
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| The ascent up the old coach road from Buckden carpark | Views across to Kidstones Pass |
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| The road towards Kidstones Pass | View towards Naughtberry Hill and West Burton |
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| Buckden Waterfall | DalesBus 875 awaiting departure to Hawes |
The temptation is to proceed down the valley to Buckden but this involves some steep sections and a short scramble [see later]. Instead look for a faint path crossing the spoil heap of the mine and bearing left around the shoulder of the hill. Proceed along this path for about a mile loosing height slightly then the path becomes a zig zag a signpost will be noticed. The path straight on goes to Starbotton meanwhile the right hand path to Buckden drops downhill and then bears right descend gently to Buckden Beck and through a couple of gates to the car park or the village
[The direct descent into Buckden from the mine follows the stream down the ravine crossing on several occasions. Beware of very steep drops into the ravine at several points [extreme care with children]. When the main waterfall is reached the path will be on the right hand side. After 200m or so the path doubles back and there is a scramble down a rocky cleft towards the waterfall. Thereafter there is an easy walk into Buckden]
A detour is worthwhile at Buckden Beck walking upstream for 1/4 mile to reach Buckden Waterfall a spectacular feature. Whilst this is in the same valley as the mine earlier passed, a direct descent down the ravine is only recommended with caution due to the steep sides and the waterfalls.
Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should always consult the relevant OS map. All timings are approximate and for a person of average fitness and ability.
©John Carey 2009
This page was last updated on 03-May-2020