Litton and Arncliffe are two perfect small villages tucked up one of the side valleys of Upper Wharfedale. The crowds tend to head further north to Kettlewell and over to Wensleydale bypassing one of the gems of the Dales. However it is their loss. The quiet riverside walk linking the villages of Litton and Arncliffe is therefore left to those who are seeking a quiet and peaceful stroll in lovely surroundings. It was not always so as Littondale was the inspiration behind Emmerdale Farm (using the name Amerdale) and Arncliffe used to be over run with tourists but thankfully they have disappeared. The walk I was on is simple although the water was running off the flanks of Scoska Moor and the river was high making the various fords impassable which is a shame. The outward leg of the walk passes Guildersbank, a preserved woodland and harbouring one of the largest Ash woodlands in the Dales as well as the river Skirfare. There is a bridge at Litton but this then presents a dilemma for the walker who does not want to return via the road, as empty as it usually is outside holiday weekends. A return by the same path is certainly possible but I chose the road and thoroughly enjoyed the views as I headed down this very special valley.

Recommend: If you are in a car take the road from Arncliffe to Settle – along with the parallel road from Halton Gill there is no better driving in England.

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas
Start Point:	930719. There are some parking spaces right at the start of the riverside path. Better than cluttering up the village.
Terrain:	Underfoot terrain can be a little wet in the fields and the path is quite tight (but very good) to the waters edge towards Litton.
Eating & Drinking:	There is a pub in each village. Both are good but the Falcon in Arncliffe has longer opening hours which is why I suggest the walk is started and finished there.