Yockenthwaite to Cray Walk

A moderate circular loop of 6 miles (9.6 km), typically walked in 2 to 3 hours. It starts and finishes at Yockenthwaite Bridge, grid reference SD904790, near Skipton in Upper Wharfedale.

From Yockenthwaite Bridge the walk climbs through Strans Wood and past Scar House, continues to Cray and Cray Gill, follows Stubbing Lane down to Hubberholme, then returns to the bridge on riverside and field footpaths.

Rated moderate, with one steep climb and a matching descent. Expect grassy tracks, numerous gates, uneven footing, stepping stones and short stretches of country road. Sampled elevations along the route range from about 238 to 356 metres, so the effort is concentrated in the hillside section rather than spread across the loop.

There is no dedicated car park at the start. Limited roadside parking is available on the left between Raisgill and Yockenthwaite near the bridge, and it fills quickly. The nearest public toilets are at Buckden National Park car park, roughly 2.5 miles southeast.

Dogs are welcome but should be on leads or under close control throughout, as livestock are grazed along the way. Seasonal restrictions apply from March to July for ground-nesting birds.

Strans Wood holds fine limestone pavement, with clints and grikes underfoot and lime-loving plants in the crevices. Lower down there are traditional hay meadows, the tumbling water of Cray Gill, the River Wharfe, the old farmstead setting of Scar House and the small church village of Hubberholme. Butterflies include common blue, northern brown argus and green-veined white, while dippers, kingfishers, yellow wagtails, curlews and lapwings are among the birds recorded in the area.

Parking is the weakest point, with only a few roadside spaces and no facilities at the trailhead. The steep section and uneven limestone are hard going for anyone unsure on their feet, stepping stones can be awkward when water is high, and short road walking means occasional traffic awareness is needed.