Section 2: Burnsall to Buckden map
Example stay The Buck Inn (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
Just north of Burnsall the path crosses the Mid-Craven Fault at Loup Scar, into limestone country. After Grassington it leaves the river for high pasture with superb views. Limestone pavement, cut by grooves called grykes, runs past Conistone Pie, and across the dale stands the great rock mass of Kilnsey Crag, popular with climbers. Kettlewell's pubs are the reward at the bottom of the descent.
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Start of section
Burnsall
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Geology
Loup Scar
Here the path crosses the Mid-Craven Fault, and the dale gives way to limestone country, the pale rock of the next two days.
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The view
Conistone Pie
A rocky limestone outcrop on the edge, with sweeping views across the dale to Kilnsey Crag, a great rock mass popular with climbers.
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Lunch
Kettlewell
Three pubs, a village store, a café and public toilets. A post office counter gives cash on some days.
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End of section
Buckden
Section 2: Burnsall to Buckden overview
The ground
- Riverside
- Limestone
- Pasture
One climb onto open limestone, with flat river walking either side. The first real climb of the walk, but short. The next section, over Cam Fell, is the one many walkers find hardest.
Stops
Refreshments
- Burnsall
- Grassington
- Kettlewell
- Starbotton (Fox & Hounds)
- Buckden
Toilets
- Burnsall (car park)
- Linton
- Kettlewell
- Buckden (RADAR key)
Before you go
Opposite direction
Buckden to Burnsall
Walked from Buckden, start with the flat river miles to Kettlewell and save your legs, because the climb onto the limestone comes after lunch. Kilnsey Crag is then on your right, and Grassington has the shops before the riverside to Burnsall.
End of section
Burnsall
Burnsall to Buckden FAQ
How long is Burnsall to Buckden?
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.
Where can I stop for the night?
Grassington, Kettlewell and Buckden all have beds. Our 5-, 8- and 9-day plans stop at Grassington, the 8- and 9-day at Buckden too, and the 7-day at Kettlewell. The 6-day goes on past Buckden to the George Inn at Hubberholme.
Can I download a GPX for Burnsall to Buckden?
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
Inside Day 2 of the 6-day, which goes on to 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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