Follow the Yockenthwaite Walk for a Beautiful Trek Through Langstrothdale
Begin your Yockenthwaite walk in the heart of Buckden village. To start, park in the Yorkshire Dales National Park pay-and-display car park, located just off the B6160 at the northern end of the village. You’ll find the car park behind the former St Michael’s School Room, and it’s easy to locate with ample parking spaces available. From here, make your way to the northern end of the car park, where the exit is situated, rather than the entrance.
Exit the car park through a large wooden gate and follow the stone trail uphill. This path is part of A Pennine Journey, a scenic route that takes you towards Cray. As you walk uphill through Rakes Wood, continue along the track until you reach the top of the hill. Here, the path becomes a grassy trail across Buckden Rake. Stay on the main path heading north, ignoring the bridleway to your right, which leads up to Buckden Pike. After roughly half a mile, you’ll come to a footpath on your left, which you should take to descend into Cray.
Upon reaching Cray, cross Cray Gill and the B6160 main road. Continue straight uphill past the White Lion Inn, and keep the farm buildings to your left as you go. Follow the public footpath west in the direction of Scar House, which will lead you across fields and farmland, showcasing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After about 1½ miles (2.4 kilometres), you will arrive at the rear of Scar House.
At this point, you have the option to shorten your Yockenthwaite walk by turning left onto a footpath that descends to Hubberholme, eventually looping back to Buckden. However, if you wish to continue the full route, press on along the public footpath. For the next mile (1.6 kilometres), you’ll pass through wooded areas and more beautiful countryside before reaching Yockenthwaite.
As you approach Yockenthwaite, you will arrive from the rear of the hamlet. Follow the stone track downhill, heading towards the iconic stone-arched bridge over the River Wharfe. After passing the main farmhouse on your left, ignore the first track that turns left just in front of the farmhouse. Instead, walk a few metres further and take the second stone track on your left, which leads across a grassy area towards a smaller cluster of farm buildings in the corner.
Here, join the Dales Way, a popular long-distance trail, which will guide you down to the banks of the River Wharfe. Continue along the Dales Way, following the river for about 1½ miles (2.4 kilometres) until you reach Hubberholme. Once in Hubberholme, cross the road bridge over the river and turn left, walking past The George Inn.
From The George Inn, follow the quiet tarmac lane known as Dubb’s Lane for approximately half a mile (800 metres). When you reach a signpost on your left, follow the footpath across the field that brings you back to the riverbank. Continue along the riverside path for just over half a mile (800 metres) until you reconnect with Dubb’s Lane.
Turn left once again and cross the road bridge, which will lead you back into the village of Buckden, where your Yockenthwaite walk concludes. This stunning circular route through Wharfedale and Langstrothdale is just over 7 miles (11.3 kilometres) long and offers some of the best scenery the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.
Yockenthwaite Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Yockenthwaite Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 7 miles
Distance: 11¼ kilometres
Duration: 3¼ hours
Ascent: 738 feet
Ascent: 225 metres
Type: Circular walk
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Area, reference OS Explorer OL30, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
About Yockenthwaite
Yockenthwaite is a small hamlet located in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, within the picturesque Langstrothdale valley in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Historically, it was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire. The hamlet sits approximately 20 miles (32 kilometres) north of Skipton and 8 miles (13 kilometres) south of Hawes. Its name is believed to originate from ‘Eoghan’s clearing in a wood’, linking its roots to ancient times.
A notable feature of Yockenthwaite is its Grade II listed packhorse bridge, built in the early 18th century. This historic structure spans the River Wharfe and serves as the hamlet’s only road connection to the outside world, making it a key part of its charm and historical significance. Yockenthwaite lies on the north bank of the river, enhancing its scenic beauty.
Related Walk: Similar to the Yockenthwaite Walk
Enjoy diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery on this Buckden walk
Surprisingly, this tiny hamlet gained some recognition through the children’s television series The Rottentrolls, where a character was named after the hamlet. However, Yockenthwaite is perhaps better known today as a filming location for the popular TV series All Creatures Great and Small. In the recent Channel 5 adaptation, Yockenthwaite was used as the exterior of Helen Alderson’s farm, with prominent landmarks such as the packhorse bridge and the iconic red postbox featured in the show.
The Yorkshire Dales, particularly the areas around Upper Wharfedale, Littondale, and Langstrothdale, have been extensively used for filming All Creatures Great and Small. Two churches in the region were chosen to depict the wedding of James Herriot and Helen Alderson in series three. St Michael and All Angels Church in Hubberholme was used for the interior scenes, while its sister church, St Oswald’s in Arncliffe, provided the backdrop for the outdoor shots.
During filming in Hubberholme, a dry March day saw the church bustling with production crews, lighting technicians, and make-up artists. The scene was further enhanced by the lighting of all the hanging candles, creating a magical atmosphere. To improve sound quality, a large helium balloon was suspended from the ceiling, adding to the technical marvel behind the scenes. This attention to detail helped bring to life the heartfelt moments of the wedding on screen.
Yockenthwaite Walk: My Photos
Leaving Buckden, we head north on A Pennine Journey and immediately begin climbing the hillside. Before long, we’re greeted by sweeping views to the north-west, taking in Hubberholme and the picturesque Langstrothdale valley. The fields in the centre of the shot roughly indicate where Langstrothdale meets Wharfedale.
Our path from Buckden leads us upwards through Rakes Wood, still following A Pennine Journey.
As we approach the top of the trail and leave Rakes Wood behind, we are treated to a breathtaking view across Upper Wharfedale towards Birks Fell.
Continuing north on our Yockenthwaite walk, we follow a gentle grassy track across Buckden Rake. It’s an easy path with excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Looking left as we cross Buckden Rake, we spot the hamlet of Cray nestled in the valley below. This little hamlet is our next stop.
We begin our descent from Buckden Rake by following the public footpath towards Cray.
Cray Gill flows quickly past the hamlet, running north to south before joining the River Wharfe about a mile downstream from this point.
Normally, we cross Cray Gill using the familiar stepping stones. However, due to last night’s heavy rainfall, the water levels are too high for a safe crossing. Though I’ve crossed here many times, this is the first time I’ve seen the stones submerged.
Unable to use the stepping stones, we find a small bridge further north. Although reaching the bridge involves climbing over a fence, it’s easily manageable with a bit of care.
We take a break at the bridge, relaxing as we watch the fast-moving waters of Cray Gill flow beneath us.
Cray Gill cascades over a series of rocky steps, creating a lively scene. At the bridge, another small stream joins from the east, its frothy white rapids adding to the beauty of this peaceful spot.
Continuing westward from Cray, we cross Hay Close. The hillside around us is dotted with trees. Some are bare, with moss-covered branches, while others display stunning autumnal hues of yellow, green, and brown.
On the path between Cray and Scar House, we encounter a small stream flowing across the trail. It’s heavier than usual due to the recent rain. After some discussion, Angy and Lynn find a safe way to cross, and we continue our journey.
From our elevated trail, we look down at the River Wharfe, winding its way through Langstrothdale, with Birks Fell rising majestically in the background. Scattered limestone rocks dot the landscape, adding to the charm of this part of our Yockenthwaite walk.
As we make our way west towards Scar House, the vivid autumn colours and moss-covered stone walls create a truly picturesque scene. The heavy rain has left parts of the path a little boggy, but nothing too challenging.
We walk behind the farm buildings at Scar House. Meanwhile, for anyone wanting to shorten their walk, a public footpath from Scar House leads directly down to Hubberholme. We, however, choose to continue our Yockenthwaite walk, eager to explore the path ahead.
Between Scar House and Yockenthwaite, we come across an ornate footbridge spanning Strans Gill. The gill has carved a deep, narrow channel in the landscape as it flows downhill towards the River Wharfe.
We stop for lunch near the Strans Gill footbridge, surrounded by the beauty of Langstrothdale. The views here are absolutely stunning, and it’s the perfect spot to take a break.
As we continue along the footpath towards Yockenthwaite, we take in the beautiful view below us. The River Wharfe winds its way through the valley floor, and across the water, we see the hamlet of Raisgill nestled in the fields. Behind the hamlet, the landscape rises steeply, with woodland marking the course of Hagg Beck as it flows from Horse Head down to meet the Wharfe.
We begin our descent towards Yockenthwaite, and soon, the farm buildings of this picturesque hamlet come into view.
As we descend through the woods, Angy and Lynn work out the best way down. A short section of the path has become slippery, but with a bit of attention, we manage the tricky section without any trouble.
After the tricky part, the path becomes firm again, making the rest of the descent much easier. The vibrant autumn colours continue to impress as we approach Yockenthwaite.
We follow the footpath down behind the farm buildings of Yockenthwaite. This is truly a picture-perfect setting and one of the highlights of our Yockenthwaite walk.

From between the buildings, we catch a glimpse of the lovely arched stone bridge crossing the River Wharfe, providing access from the minor road to the farm.
We take a brief detour to cross the bridge and stand on the south side of the River Wharfe.
Crossing the bridge gives us an excellent view of the farm, a scene often seen in the current series of All Creatures Great & Small.
Standing on the bridge at Yockenthwaite, we look out over the River Wharfe as it flows south-east through Langstrothdale, its waters reflecting the golden hues of autumn.
We leave Yockenthwaite and follow the Dales Way, which runs along the north side of the River Wharfe.
The Dales Way between Yockenthwaite and Hubberholme is always a delight to walk. Today, with the autumn colours and the crisp air, it’s particularly beautiful.
As we follow the river, the Wharfe rushes past us, forming rapids in places due to the previous night’s rainfall. The water, tinted a golden brown from the peat it has absorbed, flows with great energy.
Crossing a footbridge over Strans Gill, we reflect on how earlier in the walk, we passed the same gill higher up the hillside. It’s fascinating to witness how the water has carved its way through the landscape, flowing down from the heights to join the River Wharfe below. This marks a memorable point in our Yockenthwaite walk, connecting two parts of the journey.
The Dales Way soon brings us to Hubberholme, where we spot The George Inn across the River Wharfe.
In Hubberholme, we see the bridge we’ll cross next, which takes us onto the minor road that leads back to Buckden.
St Michael and All Angels Church
St Michael and All Angels Church in Hubberholme is a Grade II listed building. Dating from the 12th century, it is said to have been built by the de Percy family as a chapel of ease. The church was rebuilt during the 16th and 17th centuries and restored again in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Both the church and The George Inn were beloved by author J. B. Priestley, a frequent visitor to Hubberholme. Priestley, who described Hubberholme as the ‘smallest, pleasantest place in the world,’ had his ashes buried in the churchyard. A commemorative plaque inside the church honours him.
Hubberholme was also a filming location for James Herriot and Helen Alderson’s wedding in All Creatures Great & Small. The interior of St Michael and All Angels Church was used for the indoor wedding scenes, while St Oswald’s in Arncliffe served for the outdoor shots.
The church features furniture by Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson, whose signature mouse carvings can be found on the pews, choir stalls, and chairs, adding a unique charm to the interior.
As we near Buckden, we cross the road bridge over the River Wharfe, almost completing our walk.
We end our Yockenthwaite walk at the Buck Inn in Buckden, where we enjoy a well-earned drink and reflect on the day’s wonderful journey.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.
Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.
Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.