Buckden Pike

Yesterday in the warm sunshine we repeated a wonderful walk we did last winter. A thoroughly enjoyable 5 mile slog of Buckden Pike.

Starting from the main car park in Buckden we took the long track towards the northern slopes overlooking Cray, before tackling the short but steep steps up to the summit and trig point of Buckden Pike.

Clear skies provided amazing far reaching views of the Western Dales showing off several of the region's biggest and best fells, including The Three Peaks; Pen y ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside as well as Great Shunner Fell and Wild Boar Fell.

From the trig point we followed the ridge stone path to the Polish War Memorial (more on this later!..) before returning towards the trig point and then taking a left turn to take us down past the old Lead mine and in to Buckden Beck.

This route is not at all child or dog friendly but wow, is it spectacular. Very challenging terrain having to scramble down steep descents, wedging oneself between jagged rocks but so many beautiful waterfalls and impressive views of Buckden peeking out between a gorgeous deep grassy ravine.

A superb walk throughout with so many highlights, one of those being able to see our home and Willow Cottage nestled in the forest, from afar on the summit.