Section 3: Buckden to Gearstones map
Example stay Shepherds Cottage Luxury B&B (opens in a new tab)
Cross-check: Dales Way Association route description . Opened 31 October 2026. The route page lists no section distances; the distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
The walk
This is the top of the Dales, where the Wharfe begins on the peat moor of Cam Fell. For many walkers it is the most challenging section of the walk. The young river leads you up Langstrothdale past small hamlets to Oughtershaw. On the moor you cross the watershed between the North Sea and the Irish Sea. Then the stony Cam High Road takes you down into Ribblesdale.
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Start of section
Buckden
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Lunch
Hubberholme
A small hamlet by the river, and the George Inn, the only place to eat or sleep. There is no mobile signal.
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Top of the Dales
The watershed
On Cam Fell the Wharfe begins, and the water on the far side runs to the Irish Sea. The Pennine Way crosses here.
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The high point
Cam High Road
An old Roman road, stony underfoot, with wide views. Ribblehead Viaduct is in the distance, with Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough beyond.
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End of section
Gearstones
Section 3: Buckden to Gearstones overview
The ground
- Moorland
- Riverside
- Old road
A long climb to open, boggy moorland. Remote, with no shop. The most remote section, and the highest, at about 520 m on the Cam High Road.
Stops
Refreshments
- Buckden
- Hubberholme (George Inn)
Toilets
- Buckden (RADAR key)
Before you go
Opposite direction
Gearstones to Buckden
Walked from Gearstones, the climb onto the Cam High Road starts at once. Over the watershed the moor drops to the head of Langstrothdale. The river then leads you down past the George Inn to Buckden, the first shop and café since Dent.
End of section
Buckden
Buckden to Gearstones FAQ
How long is Buckden to Gearstones?
The Association does not list miles for each section. The distance at the top of this page is measured along the trail between these ends; a walk off the path to your bed is extra.
Can I split it?
Yes. Our 7-, 8- and 9-day plans stop at Oughtershaw, at the head of Langstrothdale, which gives the moor a day of its own. Oughtershaw has a few beds and no shop.
Can I download a GPX for Buckden to Gearstones?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Days 2 and 3 of the 6-day share this section, with the night at Hubberholme. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 6-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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