This Yorkshire Dales walk has two ascents as you traverse the hills from Wharefdale to Littondale and back again. In complete contrast the final section is level walking following the Dales Way beside the River Wharfe. This route involves considerable ascent first crossing the hills as you walk from Wharefdale to Littondale and then repeating the process as you return to Wharfedale. Thankfully the final section of the walk is a level stroll following the Dales Way alongside the River Wharfe.
Start : Pay and display car park in Kettlewell. Grid ref. SD968723
(S/E) Leave the car park, walk along B6160 South-West and cross the River Wharfe. Ignore the riverside path leading to Starbotton and take the next path North-West. Almost immediately turn left on a rising path that can be seen heading uphill to a limestone outcrop. This path is signed Arncliffe. The climb, although steep, offers excellent views of Kettlewell and Wharfedale.
(1) After 2.3 KM, the path is easily to follow and once through the 'slit' in the limestone outcrop the gradient eases to reach Old Cote Moor. With few navigational problems you can enjoy the views with Littondale appearing ahead with Arncliffe village clustered around its church. The descent is easy until you reach Byre Bank Wood where the going is considerably more difficult.
(2) Reaching a tarmac road go straight across to a stile and take the shortcut to the bridge over the River Skirfare.
(3)Go over the bridge and explore the village of Arncliffe with its pleasant village green and pub. To continue return to the bridge over the River Skirfare and continue ahead to a road T-junction.
(4) Opposite you will see the signed footpath to Starbotton. The start is quite steep but you soon join a track which you follow uphill. The route is never in doubt with good views behind you. As you reach the crest of the hill the views ahead over Wharfedale suddenly open out. Continue across the open fields, descending steadily towards Starbotton. The final section through woodland is steep in places and care is needed after rain.
(5) Reaching the footbridge over the River Wharfe you have two options. You can of course cross the river and explore the village. To continue the walk do not cross the bridge instead turn right and follow the Dales Way back to Kettlewell.(E)
Waypoints
S : km 0 - alt. 209 m - Kettlewell car park
1 : km 2.56 - alt. 419 m - Old Cote Moor
2 : km 3.69 - alt. 226 m
3 : km 3.82 - alt. 226 m - Arncliffe village
4 : km 4.06 - alt. 234 m
5 : km 7.66 - alt. 215 m - Starbotton village
E : km 10.66 - alt. 213 m - Kettlewell car park
Useful Information
Start : Pay and display car park in Kettlewell. Grid ref. SD968723
Parking : There is a pay and display car park in Kettlewell (Grid ref. SD968723) with alternative parking nearby.
Facilities : Kettlewell is a popular starting point for walks in Wharfedale with cafés, pubs and shops. Refreshments are limited along the way with a pub in Arncliffe the only choice.
Terrain : This route involves considerable ascent first crossing the hills as you walk from Wharefdale to Littondale and then repeating the process as you return to Wharfedale. Thankfully the final section of the walk is a level stroll following the Dales Way alongside the River Wharfe.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 30/05/23 Clarity of route description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
This is a much more difficult walk than described. It starts steeply climbing up from from Kettlewell until the crag which involves a small but manageable little scramble. After this it eases up over the moor, However, the path through Byre Bank Wood into Arncliffe is a full on scramble which wouldn't be out of place on a fell in the Lake District. Anyone who lacks confidence or has limited mobility wouldn't be able to descend or climb this path safely.
The return is a slog from Arncliffe over to Starbotton but relatively easy until Fosse Wood where care with your footing is needed.
The route measures 14km not 10.66km and involves 670m of climbing.
The pub in Arncliffe does great sandwiches BTW!
Happy feet
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Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 03/10/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
We enjoyed this walk. Stunning views of Wharfedale and Littondale. We agree with previous review with criticisms of the description. First, It's longer than the description said. My Fitbit said approximately ten miles
I think this should be classed as a difficult walk The climbs and descents are all a lot harder than "average".
The path on the way back over the moor to Starbotton isn’t always so obvious once on the path/ Bridleway to the top of the fell. In fact, there are two alternative paths to take close to the top. Fortunately we took the correct one. We really enjoyed it and felt that it was quite an achievement for us. Thankfully we had a beautiful day, so glad that it wasn’t hot!
andyrenshaw
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Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 17/07/21 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Agree with previous reviews. The walk is great with fantastic views but the descents into Arncliffe and Starbotton are quite severe if you aren't very nimble!
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk though on a beautiful hot day.
Leedsblade
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Overall rating :
4 / 5
Date of walk : 19/09/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★☆☆ Average Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Really enjoyed this walk. Stunning views of Wharfedale and Littondale. However, a few minor criticisms of the description. First, I think it's longer than the description said. The App on my mobile phone had it at 9.5 miles, rather than 6.5! I know these phone Apps aren't foolproof, but it certainly felt more than 6.5. Second, the walk is described as of "average" difficulty. I think that's an under estimate. The climbs and descents are all a lot harder than "average". Last, the ascent out of Arncliffe suggests that it is an obvious path all the way to the top of the fell. In fact, there are two alternative paths to take close to the top. Fortunately we took the correct one. But none of this should detract from what was a fabulous walk. We really enjoyed it - many thanks.
Sue Trott
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Overall rating :
3.7 / 5
Date of walk : 30/08/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★☆☆ Average Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
No doubt about the beauty of this walk and the scenery is breath-taking. However, I have to question some of the descriptions.
Difficulty: Average- IMHO that was not verage
Byre Bank Wood where the going is considerably more difficult - sheer descent down rocks and boulders, you'll need both hands free and able tosit on your bum at times to get down
Descending to Starbotton, the final section through woodland is steep in places - again, an understatement: loose rocks makes it difficult to keep your footing down such a steep decline and path is extremely narrow
Like I said, a stunning walk and thoroughly enjoyed it, but definitely not for the faint hearted, or less agile walker. And probably not the best walk to make on your own as I didn't encounter another person at all!
Fitz1
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Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 20/07/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Excellent walk, full of interest. Well worth doing.
