Kettlewell to Starbotton Circular

This is a 4.5-mile loop in total, starting and finishing at the Kettlewell pay-and-display car park. From the village you cross the beck and pick up the signed path that climbs the valley side past the Moor End outdoor recreation centre, staying high with open views up the dale. The path then drops through woodland to a footbridge over the River Wharfe, where a walled lane leads into Starbotton. To finish, walk back to the footbridge, cross it, and follow the Dales Way south along the river back into Kettlewell.

Allow around 3 hours 10 minutes, with roughly 700 feet of climbing spread across the outward half. In practical terms it is easy to moderate: the paths are clear but uneven in places, with a stony track, field walking, steps, and a lot of gates and stiles to work through. There are two very short stretches on quiet roads. Boots with decent grip make the descent through the woodland much more comfortable.

The high outward path is where the walk earns its keep, with wide views over Upper Wharfedale and a patchwork of dry-stone walls below. You get two contrasting villages, a stretch of woodland, and a gentle riverside return beside the Wharfe. Late May and early June are worth targeting for wildflowers along the field paths and verges.

Start from the pay-and-display car park in Kettlewell, which sits close to public toilets and village amenities. Note that this loop begins in Kettlewell, not from the separate car park at Buckden.

• Dogs are welcome, but keep them under close control: cattle graze the return fields regularly.
• Take care at the river and footbridge after wet weather, since water levels can rise quickly.
• Cross the main road near Starbotton with care.

Walkers after a bigger day out can look to Great Whernside from Kettlewell instead, which is longer and considerably hillier. It is a separate outing and should not be mixed up with this valley loop.