Hidden Valleys of Wharfedale

• Two valleys of character
• Upland moorlands
• 4 attractive Dales villages

The smaller valleys of upper Wharfedale are, in my opinion, the best area of the Dales for walking. The valleys of Littondale and Langstrothdale are the best and I was determined to combine them in one single walk. After much poring over the map and some reconnaissance in the valleys I ended up walking in a square with the points being the quartet of lovely villages/hamlets of Litton, Halton Gill, Yockenthwaite and Hubberholme. Only in the short stage of road walking after Hubberholme was the route lacking any real interest. The rest of the walk is an absolute delight; the 2 stretches of river walking separated by two excellent bridleways which pass over the tops; a legacy of how travel was accomplished prior to the advent of cars. The remote settlements of Halton Gill and Yockenthwaite are little more than extended farms and typify the classic nature of traditional Yorkshire stone buildings blending in beautifully with the surrounding landscape. There are none better. The walk is further enhanced by the peace and lack of people who frequent the two valleys; in particular Littondale is all but unknown to the flocks who stay in lower Wharfedale and on the walk I did I saw very few other walkers. This is a walk I will happily repeat and show anyone who wants to get a real feel for the Dales.

Recommend: For those hunting the Marilyn (highest point) on the ridge it is to the right as the track goes up from Halton Gill and not at either of the 2 OS pillars which can be seen on the bridleways over.

Download GPX file

© 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:	905741. From Litton cross the river Skirfare and join the river path to Halton Gill. Clockwise is the best route with a start at Litton.
Terrain:	Good paths and bridleways throughout.
Eating & Drinking:	The Queen's Arms at Litton is around 400 years old and has its own brewery offering a good end to a perfect walk.
Similar Walks Nearby:	Arncliffe & Kettlewell Circular Lovely Littondale Great Whernside & the Upper Wharfe
Places to Stay:	Swains Cottage, Littondale Halton Hall, Littondale