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The Buckden – Hubberholme Planet Trail
Be amazed at the vastness of our solar system and learn fun facts along this free, self-guided (1.5 mile/2.5km) Planet Trail. The Trail is approx 3 miles in total (Sun to Neptune and return to the Sun).
This Planet Trail is on display from 01 February 2025 as part of the Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival, which runs from the 13 February to 01 March 2026.
Pick up a Free Kids Trail Quiz sheet from The Buck Inn, Buckden or The George at Hubberholme 0r download a copy here. Buckden-Hubberholme Planet Trail Quiz Hand in your completed sheet and claim your space-themed sweet prize!
This gentle walk (without stiles) takes you north from the traditional Dales village of Buckden along the River Wharfe to the tiny hamlet of Hubberholme, with a lesson on the solar system along the way!
The Route
This Trail can either be followed from Buckden (the Sun) or Hubberholme (Neptune)
- From the Sun – start from where the Dales Way leaves the road, at Buckden. (///tram.laying.zoom) Follow the public footpath, north, in the direction of Hubberholme. Return to the start, using the same route. (3miles/5km in total)
- To follow the Trail in reverse, start at Neptune from where the footpath leaves the road, at Hubberholme (///stated.manage.cheese) and follow the footpath towards Buckden.
This is a low-level route, ideal for families with younger children and all-terrain pushchairs. https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/yorkshire-dales-national-trust/access-guides/yorkshire-dales-upper-wharfedale-buckden#cf5961e4-91a0-154d-bc70-e017c91818e9 The route follows the riverside path section of Dales Way footpath between Buckden and Hubberholme created by the National Trust (Langsthrothdale). For a longer, more challenging route – follow the bridleway from Buckden car park, up the steep hill (Buckden Rake) towards Cray. Follow the Planet Trail, in reverse, as you return along the Dales Way from Hubberholme to Buckden. (5.3 miles/8.6km)
Buckden is a popular destination for walkers and holidaymakers, with excellent walking and delightful places to eat, drink and stay. There is a thriving local community with many events taking place throughout the year. For more information, please see Buckden village’s website https://www.buckden.org
Hubberholme was the favourite place of writer and playwright J.B. Priestley who described it as the smallest, pleasantest place in the world. His ashes were buried in the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels’ Church The Church includes furniture made by Robert “Mouseman” Thompson of Kilburn, a 20th-century furniture maker, so be sure to step inside the church and see if you can spot the mice, carved into the pews!
Places to eat – It is advisable to check opening times and book in advance.
Getting here
by bus
by car
The B6160 runs through Buckden. The National Park carpark is a Dark Sky Reserve Discovery site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze.
Please be aware that there is limited mobile reception.
Always be very careful when walking on roads and try to walk on the side of the road facing the traffic, this is safer than having cars coming from behind you.
