We set off from Buckden car park to take a short road section to then reach the village of Hubberholme where we then ambled through the graveyard taking in the eye-catching displays of hand knitted Poppies in the four colours Red ,Black ,White and Purple and other Adornments strategically placed with great sensitivity.

We then made our way through the Weathered Arched Oak Doors and entered the church to be humbled by the Poppy Displays and Wreaths in numerous locations and situations throughout the church. I have had many visits to this church at different times of the year but at this time of year it is such a special place.

On leaving the church we then joined the Dales Way westward alongside the River Wharfe to almost reach the Pack Horse Bridge before ascending a track at Top Farm and then joined a footpath to pass by Scar House. We had a short break here where the offer of Almond Tarts and Mince Pies provided by one of our members was too great to resist. From this point we continued east to arrive at The White Lion. We then carefully crossed the stepping stones at Cray Gill to ascend and access Buckden Rake. From this point we went South to locate our track to take us to our ascent of Buckden Pike.

We took on the challenging ascent in driving rain and fog with sporadic short breaks .We reached the top within minutes of each other and after a stop at the Cairn we continued to reach the Memorial Cross at Buckden Pike. We had a short break here.

From experience passed on to me by another local group many years ago we then joined the wallside footpath to strike south west and so dissect the footpath from Buckden Pike Cairn to Starbotton which was our next stop where we had lunch. The use of this footpath meant that we didn't have to plod through the sludge and mire at Windle Side.  

After a short lunch break a joint decision was made that we should cross the wooden bridge and take the Dales Way footpath back to Buckden therefore omitting the final climb up to Old Cote Moor and returning by the wallside path back to Buckden.This decision was met by positive approval as the rain continued.

On our arrival back to Buckden a unanimous decision was made that after a change out of our wet clothes we should  retire to The Buck Inn for Hot Drinks or something stronger. 

Another quality group who I can't praise enough who again gave 100% to make the day a success.