This is a five and half mile walk up Horse Head Pass and along the remote moorland ridge, with magnificent views of the Three Peaks, returning along the beautiful River Wharfe. The remote moorland ridge and river environment is a haven for both woodland and river birds making it perfect for bird watching.
Table of Contents
The Route
- what3words for start point: ///bride.spenders.cherub
- Start Point: Yockenthwaite Bridge
- Finish Point: Yockenthwaite Bridge
- Distance: 6 Miles
Getting there
Yockenthwaite Bridge is between Oughtershaw and Hubberholme, and is easiest to reach from Buckden on the B6160. Take the Grassington road from the A59 near Skipton or the Bishopdale road from Aysgarth or West Burton in Wensleydale.
GPX Route Map
Download file for GPSWalk Description
Enjoy a five and half mile walk up Horse Head Pass and along the remote moorland ridge, with magnificent views of the Three Peaks, returning along the beautiful River Wharfe. The remote moorland ridge and river environment is a haven for both woodland and river birds making it perfect for bird watching.
Starting at Yockenthwaite Bridge, you’ll follow the bridleway, signed to Halton Gill. The track zig-zags steeply uphill, across a large area of common land known as the Hagg. Continue along the route until you’re greeted with magnificent views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Continue along the moorland ridge keeping an eye out for the mosaic of various vegetation types. The red-brown patches are mainly purple moor grass, which tends to grow on boulder clay or Millstone Grit, and the areas of green grasses mixed in with small flowers grow over limestone.
Follow the footpath downhill towards Beckermonds with Greenfield Forest away to your left. When you meet the River Wharfe, turn right and follow the Dales Way footpath along the river towards Deepdale. Here the river flows through areas of limestone which are ideal for sitting on for a picnic, when the water levels are low. Venture along the route to Deepdale across the road bridge and turn right into the hamlet. A short way up the track, take the footpath on the right, where you will arrive back at Yockenthwaite.
Lunch?
If you want somewhere to go for lunch, the nearest food & drink are available at The George Inn, at Hubberholme.
