Yockenthwaite Moor from Wharfedale

The quickest and easiest route up Yockenthwaite Moor is from the south. The start is Yockenthwaite Farm, the climb follows a farm track for much of the way and the conclusion is through a series of peat hags. It is an up and down walk, lacking in interest except for the splendid views up and down Wharfedale.

The Walk

Yockenthwaite Moor is a considerable expanse of peatland at the head of Wharfedale. The hags towards the summit make for difficult walking (particularly in wetter conditions). However the peatlands do provide a vital resource in the battle against climate change, in particular as a sore for carbon. Around Yockenthwaite Moor you will see a good details of work being done to try and preserve these blanket peat bogs against degradation and its drying out due to landowner practices.

Yockenthwaite Moor is best approached from the north starting at Semer Water. At least here the approaches and descent are very enjoyable. However the quickest and easiest climb if from the south, at Yockenthwaite Farm in Langstothdale. The climb is via a farm track and relatively straightforward. It is a quick up and down for anyone who is after ticking the summit as part of the Dales 30 Challenge. For anyone else visiting the summit it can only be to enjoy its peace and tranquility, no-one else will be there!

Yockenthwaite Moor is one of the ‘Dales 30’ Mountains.

Recommend

Taking good footwear particularly after wet weather. My last climb was in the dry and to be honest the conditions were okay.

Navigational Tips on Yockenthwaite Moor

When the farm track runs out near a rocky scar it is important to take a bearing to the summit in cloudy conditions. It is easy to miss the summit.

However the bearing is made easier if you use two further techniques, both using the fences towards the summit. The first fence to find is the circular area above the scar. It is easy to find. Follow the fence to the northern end.

At this point take the bearing to the summit trig point. However it is worth adjusting the compass bearing by 5 degrees so you miss the trig point to the east, deliberately. At the fence then turn left and follow the fence to the trig point. This is called Aiming Off and ensures that you avoid any uncertainty on the exact location of the trig point (a direct bearing could result in you missing the trig on either side and therefore unsure which way to turn)