Littondale - Arncliffe to Litton circular walk

Tuesday 25th April 2023

Walking Diary (All Walks) North Yorkshire & Co Durham Easy Walks Wharfedale

Littondale is a very quiet little dale just west of Upper Wharfedale. It's very easy walking where one can enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales in peace and tranquillity. The shallow River Skirfare meanders across the farmed valley floor throughout the walk. When I visited, much of the river had disappeared below ground exposing a dry, rocky river bed.

I visited Arncliffe and Litton which are two delightful small villages, but amazingly both have a pub - so this is a fantastic easy walk with beers at the middle and end whichever way you do it. I parked in the high street at Arncliffe and followed the River Skirfare path to Litton before returning via the very quiet country lane.

A gentle stroll in the countryside surrounded by sumptuous North Yorkshire Dales scenery.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 5.2 miles
Duration: 2:00 hours
Ascent: 249 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Accompanied By: On my Own
Weather: Sunny & Cool

3D outline of route

Parking

Parked up easily in the centre of the very quiet village of Arncliffe.

The Falcon Inn at Arncliffe. I've never ever watched it, but this pub is 'The Woolpack' in TV's Emmerdale Farm apparently.

Setting off on the bridleway which soon picks up the riverside path.

Looking back in the direction of Old Cote Moor.

Lots of young enjoying the warmth of the sun today.

A 'fat mans agony' for those challenged in that department. Skinny me has no probs !

Scoska Wood - A bit sparse and lacking green to be honest - but probably due to the time of the year.

The River Skirfare flows through Littondale and ends where it joins the much larger River Wharfe near Kettlewell. A lot of it seems to be running underground today though - we have had a pretty dry couple of weeks, but it would have been better to have seen it after some rainfall I guess.

See what I mean - No need for these stepping stones today. I didn't cross anyway, preferring to stay on the western side of the 'river'

The final approach to Litton.

Crossing the 'River' Skirfare

Litton and it's red telephone box.

The 17th century Queens Arms pub in Litton.

Don't think they were impassable today !

Approaching Stonelands.

With Old Cote Moor to my left, now hidden by the hawthorn bushes that line the roadside.

Looking over the valley towards Low Cote Moor and West Moor

Approaching the outskirts of Arncliffe.

Crossing the River Skirfare (and this time it resembles a river) at Arncliffe with St. Oswalds church hiding behind the trees.

Now that's a fantastic Schoolhouse.

Back in the centre of Arncliffe after the very enjoyable walk. I've been nursing a bad back for the last week or two, so this was an ideal bit of exercise to get me going again after some time without my boots on. Just right for me today.