Littondale and Langstrothdale are two of the hidden valleys of Wharfedale. Linking them in a long walk makes for one of the best days out in the Yorkshire Dales. If you do one walk do this.
The smaller dales offer, in my opinion, the best walking in the Dales. In this regard the valleys of Littondale and Langstrothdale are supreme. Link them in to a single walk and I would defy you not to enjoy it, whatever the weather. After much enjoyable planning with maps spread out at home I devised a rough square with the corner 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 two rivers are separated by two excellent bridleways which pass over the high ridge, a legacy of how people travelled prior to the advent of cars. In addition 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.
Moreover the walk is further enhanced by the peace and tranquility of the two dales. This is partly due to Littondale having no through road beyond Halton Gill whilst Langstrothdale has a tendency to be used as a through road. Drivers do not stop and walk. This is a walk I always enjoy and will show anyone who wants to get a real feel for the Dales.
For those hunting the Marilyn (highest point) on the ridge. You will find it a couple of hundred metres to the south east of the bridleway between Halton Gill and Hubberholme. It is not either of the two O/S pillars which can be seen on the bridleways highest point.
As a result the Hidden Valleys of Wharfedale is not surprisingly one of the best 20 walks in the Dales.
There are no particularly difficult navigation decisions on the walk. Stick to the Dales Way between Hubberholme and Raisgill.
Hi is there a gps file for for the walk and and is it a circular walk. Thanks
Yes it is circular and yes there is a gps file on the web page.
This is a great walk. We started at Halton Gill and went clockwise although we might have started at Buckden in hindsight and got the tougher of the two hills out of the way first. It’s not too tough, but it is a proper walk, not a gentle stroll. The views are stunning and the riverside walks are great with plenty wildlife in the valleys, kingfishers and woodpeckers around the river at Hubberholme.
Hi I tried this walk and I can only be described as a novice walker and all I can say is this walk nearly killed me by the top of the second hill I was praying to be hit by lightning so that It would all end.
Really lovely walk in our favourite part of the Dale’s. Made even better by a short stop at the George Inn before ascending back up over Birks fell.
Is it feasible to start th walk at Buckden using the car park there as a meeting point. There is likely to be up to 10 vehicles or will your original start point accommodate that number?
Many thanks Jim
Best to start at Buckden and pick up the route at Hubberholme
How far is the walk and is it suitable for very active youngsters and/or novices?
It’s a splendid walk but a little remote. The active youngsters will always enjoy the walks but if you are a novice avoid the walk if there is cloud or mist on the hills.
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