Challenge Walk: Wharfedale Two Peaks
Fancy a challenge but find the Yorkshire Three Peaks too daunting? Why not meet halfway halfway and give the Wharfedale Two Peaks a go?! Our two peaks – Buckden Pike and Great Whernside - are both more than 700m above sea level and therefore just as high as some of their more famous neighbours including Pen-y-ghent.
Starting from Kettlewell, we warm up gently with a section of the Dales Way on the banks of the Wharfe to Buckden village. Our first peak is Buckden Pike after a steady climb up good tracks. With expansive views from the summit plateau, we then visit the World War Two memorial to a crashed Polish RAF plane and find out how a fox reputedly saved one of the airmen. From here the going gets a little tougher as we enter our boggy descent to the pass separating Kettlewell from Coverdale. Our next ascent is relatively short but certainly sharp and takes us to our high point for the day, Great Whernside (not to be confused with the Whernside in Ribblesdale). After admiring the views into Upper Nidderdale and across the Dales as far as the legendary Three Peaks and Pendle Hill in Lancashire, we take the direct descent to Kettlewell with its great pubs and cafes, and a well-earned rest after an energetic day out!
While its 13 miles are considerably shorter than the Yorkshire Three Peaks (24 miles), its terrain is not easy (particularly after wet weather!) and is therefore a worthy challenge in itself, suited to charity challenges or simply to stretch your own hillwalking experience with the security and support of a qualified leader.
13.5 miles (22km) with 2550 feet (775m) of ascent and the same in descent.
Fancy something tougher? Try the Nidderdale High Way (18 miles) or the classic Yorkshire Three Peaks (24 miles)!
Starting from Kettlewell, we warm up gently with a section of the Dales Way on the banks of the Wharfe to Buckden village. Our first peak is Buckden Pike after a steady climb up good tracks. With expansive views from the summit plateau, we then visit the World War Two memorial to a crashed Polish RAF plane and find out how a fox reputedly saved one of the airmen. From here the going gets a little tougher as we enter our boggy descent to the pass separating Kettlewell from Coverdale. Our next ascent is relatively short but certainly sharp and takes us to our high point for the day, Great Whernside (not to be confused with the Whernside in Ribblesdale). After admiring the views into Upper Nidderdale and across the Dales as far as the legendary Three Peaks and Pendle Hill in Lancashire, we take the direct descent to Kettlewell with its great pubs and cafes, and a well-earned rest after an energetic day out!
While its 13 miles are considerably shorter than the Yorkshire Three Peaks (24 miles), its terrain is not easy (particularly after wet weather!) and is therefore a worthy challenge in itself, suited to charity challenges or simply to stretch your own hillwalking experience with the security and support of a qualified leader.
13.5 miles (22km) with 2550 feet (775m) of ascent and the same in descent.
Fancy something tougher? Try the Nidderdale High Way (18 miles) or the classic Yorkshire Three Peaks (24 miles)!