The parish of Buckden lies at the northern end of Wharfedale some 20 miles north of Skipton. The parish consists of the village of Buckden itself, as well as the hamlets of Cray, Hubberholme, Raisgill, Yockenthwaite, Deepdale, Beckermonds, Oughtershaw and Greenfield

 

In the 2001 census, the population of the Parish of Buckden was given as 184. In summer, and at other holiday times, this population is greatly increased by the numbers of visitors who stay at the wide range of bed & breakfasts and holiday cottages in the area.

 

The area is very popular for walkers with a variety of walks available ranging from gentle strolls by the river to the more strenuous ascent of Buckden Pike and the crossing into Littondale - as well of course as the Dalesway itself, which passes through the village, and goes up Langstrothdale towards Hawes.

The National Trust is responsible for a  large area of Upper Wharfedale around Buckden, from Beckermonds down to Kettlewell. The Trust has a permanent exhibition in a barn in Buckden, housing  an exhibition which shows how the area has been shaped over the thousands of years since the last Ice Age. There is information on the local lead industry and more information on the history of Langstrothdale Chase. Click here to visit the National Trust web page for Upper Wharfedale.

 

There is a thriving local community, with the local economy based largely on farming and tourism. There are three pubs within the Parish, and a range of social activities take place in the Institute, including quizzes, whist, dances, an art club and many more. One highlight of the year is the annual Gala, held on the third Saturday in June.


Buckden Parish is set in a traditional dales landscape of hay meadows, dry stone walls and field barns on either side of the River Wharfe. The Wharfe starts here, at Beckermonds, where Oughtershaw and Greenfield Becks come together. The broad "u" shape of the valley is clear evidence of the formation of the dale through the action of a glacier. The area is rich in wildlife, with wild flowers and birds in abundance.

 

There are many farms in the area predominantly farming sheep and cattle.

 

 

 

Buckden House, in the centre of the village, is an Outdoor Education Centre operated by Bradford Education Authority and offering a range of courses and study breaks for young people.

The B6160 runs through Buckden and there is a large car park operated by the National park Authority. There is an excellent bus service. Click here for more information about getting to Buckden. Visitors should be aware that the there is very limited mobile phone reception in the area.

Disabled visitors are catered for with disabled parking and toilets at the entrance to the car park, holiday cottages equipped for the disabled at The Ghyll, and ramp access to the Village Restaurant.

Both Buckden & Hubberholme are designated as Conservation Areas and the updated appraisal documents are full of interesting details about the two villages. For Buckden, click here. For Hubberholme, click here.

 

     About The Parish of Buckden