Buckden Gill

Buckden Gill

Its been a while since I updated my blog, so an outing to find some "new" falls was on the cards.

Up in High Wharfedale and the small beck in Buckden Gill are several small falls and 3 larger imprsssive ones - but getting to them wasn't easy.

Park in the National Trust Car park in Buckden and then exit either side to start the walk up the track beside the stream. 

It starts on the left hand side just behind the caravan/camp site.

View up from the Car Park

 In his Web page, http://myyorkshiredales.co.uk/water/waterfalls/buckden-gill-falls/, 

Matt O'Brian describes the route -

"It should be added that the path, which is generally quite clear, is also quite narrow. A couple of short scrambles are required to follow the path all the way up to the lead mine and after the second scramble a short section of the path is very close to a steep drop so care does need to be taken. While I found it fairly easy going there was that slight element of risk that also made it quite exciting. It is perhaps not a route for people who are nervous of exposed places."

Following his advice we (My friend Les and I) managed to reach the 1st big fall quite easily, but that is where we decided to change the route, instead, opting for a very steep scramble up the other side of the gill. 

I've often told my wife that there are 2 ways to do things, an Easy way, and a Hard way, 

According to the gentleman who came to see if we were OK after we had reached the top fall, We had chosen the hard way, but all things in consideration, we weren't prepared to start rock climbing with all the camera gear, (Matts' idea of a scramble!) 

So you must make a choice - if you ever go! 

Which ever route you take - BE CAREFUL!

According to Matts' route, 

From the first big fall, head back toward this gap in the crag which you then climb (about 15-20 ft)

 you then follow the track along the top to the next fall. 

Access to the top fall is similar to the first! However, once you've reached the top you can enjoy a steady walk all the way back down to Starbotton (or slide back down the fell as we did LOL )

One of the smaller falls on thew way up the gill

Another of the smaller falls

A Curved Fall?

From the first big fall, head back toward this gap in the crag which you then climb (about 15-20 ft)

Climb up the gap

 you then follow the track along the top to the next fall.