Kettlewell to Starbotton and Arncliffe Walk
This circular walk from Kettlewell takes you to the neighbouring villages of Starbotton and Arncliffe. There's lovely views of the surrounding Wharfedale and Littondale countryside as you make your way through the area.
The walk starts in the village and heads west to pick up the Dales Way. Follow the waymarked trail north along the River Wharfe and it will take you to Starbotton. This pretty village is nicely located on the river and has a number of attractive old dwellings.
After exploring the village you head south west, crossing the river to pass Wibbertons Fields. You continue south west across Old Cote Moor to come to Arncliffe in the Littondale valley. The village may look familiar as it was the original setting of the soap Emmerdale Farm. It's an attractive place with a village green, stone built cottages and striking farmlands. There's also nice views where the Cowside beck runs into River Skirfare.
The route then leaves Arncliffe and heads east to cross the River Skirfare before passing the Middlesmoor Pasture and returning to Kettlewell.
Kettlewell to Starbotton and Arncliffe Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
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Kettlewell to Starbotton and Arncliffe Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Kettlewell to Starbotton and Arncliffe Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Kettlewell to Starbotton and Arncliffe Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The King's Head is a good choice for some refreshments after your walk. The quality inn is ranked by The Sunday Times in the top 10 pubs in The Ultimate 100 British Hotels, as well as named in the Sunday Times Top 50 affordable hotels in the U.K. They do excellent homemade food and have a nice outdoor area for warmer weather. You can find them at The Green with postcode BD23 5RD for your sat navs. They also have a sister pub called the The Blue Bell Inn which is dog friendly and can be found on Middle Lane at postcode BD23 5QX.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
For a more challenging hike from the village try the Circular Walk around Kettlewell. This climbs to Great Whernside where there are excellent views over the area.
Just to the north west of Arncliffe you can pick up the Littondale Walk. This starts from the nearby village of Litton and explores the northern end of the dale with more riverside trails and excellent views.
You could also head to the popular town of Grassington on the Grassington to Kettlewell Walk. Here you can pick up the Grassington Circular Walk. Just to the west of Grassington you'll also find the worthy village of Threshfield. The pretty settlement includes an historic 16th century inn and the nearby Threshfield Quarry. The quarry is an unusual and atmospheric place for a walk with its limestone rocky cliffs and distinctive turquoise lakes.
Head north and you could enjoy a couple of walks from the village of Buckden. The climb to Buckden Pike is one of the highlights of the area. The circular Upper Wharfedale Walk also exposes you to some splendid limestone scenery and local wildlife.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Nidderdale Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
River Wharfe at Kettlewell. The Dales Way following the river upstream behind the village of Kettlewell.
Upper Wharfedale
Starbotton Village
Starbotton Bridge
Fosse Gill, Starbotton, Upper Wharfedale. Wet weather in the dales make all the streams into white water.
River Skirfare east side of Arncliffe Bridge. With St Oswald's Church blending in with its surroundings
Stone Cottages on Arncliffe Village Green. Arncliffe is the largest settlement in Littondale (Yorkshire Dales) and was founded in Saxon times and features in the Domesday Book.
The Nick. A narrow cleft in the limestone carries a steep footpath onto the top of the scar above Kettlewell.