Hubberholme, Buckden, Cray & Langstrothdale

Have a guess where I've parked up? Yes - it's a little lay-by at Hubberholme. Just a stones throw from the George Inn. Will be nice to have a pint there at the end of the days walk and have the car nearby. There is also a large car park at Buckden just up the road, which actually was where I'd initially planned to start todays walk. But I've stayed at the George when doing the Dales Way and fancied a re-visit, so I adjusted my plans at the last minute.

Heading out from Hubberholme along the country lane in the drizzle. Waterproofs on, which I wasn't expecting.

A left turn from the road and now following the path alongside the River Wharfe.

Election Bridge at Buckden. I thought I'd spotted a Kingfisher on the other side of the river, so I went over to investigate - No Kingfishers to be seen, but plenty of Wagtails.

I remember this place from over 40 years ago.

A trip down memory lane for me. In 1981 a group of friends enjoyed a few days in Wensleydale - a folk festival at West Burton if I remember correctly and we spent the day travelling around the Dales checking out real ale pubs (we were all members of CAMRA at the time and felt it was our duty). For some reason a photo was taken of three of us sitting on the steps of this real ale establishment - See next photo. Those were the days!

This is the photo - Can you spot me? Yes the best looking one of the three. Great times - and good friends to this day.

After all that reminiscing, it was onwards and upwards, through the car park and then up onto the flanks of Buckden Pike.

Still damp and moody (and that's just me) as height is gained - looking up Langstrothdale valley with Hubberholme in view.

After about one mile from Buckden, the small hamlet of Cray comes into view.

A few farmhouses and a good pub are all you will find at Cray - plus some challenging stepping stones to enjoy. Or you can splash through the shallow waters of Gray Gill as I did.

Heading towards Crook Gill.

The crossing of Crook Gill.

Cracking view back Southwards up Wharfedale towards Starbottom and Kettlewell.

Rais Wood - Nice change to go through the woodland and protected meadowland of the area.

Raisgill on the other side of the valley.

A heavy downpour caused a sudden dash for shelter under a very non-waterproof tree. Nettles helped me to focus whilst putting on the waterproofs - didn't focus too well, hence the next 5 minutes was spent looking for dock leaves.

Two minutes later, the waterproofs were off again and I was enjoying the tranquillity of Yockethwaite's 18th Century Bridge

Now, this is where I started to deviate from my plans. Any normal person would turn left and head back to Hubberholme having had a nice easy walk after quite a hard one in the Lakes a few days earlier. But Langstrothdale is just too tempting - So I decided to walk up to Deepdale Bridge and back and add on an extra mile or two.

A good plan ! Lunch by the Wharfe in idyllic scenery - my only company for the next twenty minutes were the birds (feathered variety, I must stress).

Deepdale Bridge - Not particularly impressive in comparison to others in the area. But, the walking is so enjoyable, I decide to press on to Beckermonds and just do an out and back. Well I'm here to walk, why not?

The correct decision

Just gets better and better !

Possibly the money shot.

Happy memories as I follow the same path as we trekked a couple of years ago - knew I'd be back and I will be back again, that's for sure.

Upper Wharfedale could be one of the prettiest places in this entire country. My only disappointment of today, was that I didn't have anyone to share the beauty of this place with.

Approaching Beckermonds.

Beckermonds.

Beckermonds and the confluence of Green Field Beck and Outershaw Beck forming the Wharfe.

Time to turn around and head back towards Hubberholme.

Just as enjoyable in the other direction.

As I pass my previous lunch spot earlier in the day.

Approaching Yockenthwaite again.

Heading for Hubberholme.

St Michael and All Angels, Hubberholme, is one of the most historic and picturesque of all churches in Wharfedale. The farthest church up the dale, it was originally a Forest Chapel of the Norman hunting forest of Langstrothdale Chase, and dates from the 12th century.

The George Inn - Closed on Tuesday's, would you believe it ! No end of walk pint for me. Wonder if the Buck Inn is open?

Last photo of picturesque Hubberholme as I take off my boots and start preparing to set off for home.