10.5 miles.

Explorer Map No OL30 - Yorkshire Dales, Northern & Central Areas

A route with steep ascents over very rough ground.
Do not even THINK of doing this walk unless you have a map and compass and know how to use them. Although sections of the walk use clearly defined paths and tracks, the path across Walden Moor is VERY poorly defined and unless you strictly follow compass bearings you can VERY easily become significantly off-course.
Up on the summit, between the summit cairn and the memorial cross, the ground is extremely boggy. In wet weather this can pose significant problems.

---

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)

---

Start from the hamlet of Walden Head (SD9851280680). Car Parking is extremely limited, and every consideration for the residents is required.
Take the signposted footpath alongside the Walden Beck that heads in a South Westerly direction.
After about 1/2 mile the path leaves the beck and starts ascending Walden Moor in a South Westerly direction. Wooden posts help indicate the way.
When you reach a shooter's track about half way up the moor, the path then becomes totally indistinct. It is then ESSENTIAL to follow compass bearings until you reach the path that reaches the boundary stone at SD9655277700.
Here turn North West along the boundary wall, to pass the memorial cross on your way to the summit of Buckden Pike at SD9608278800.
Retrace your steps to the boundary stone, and then take the path through the gate in the wall that leads to Starbotton.
Follow the footpath in a South Westerly direction all the way down into Starbotton (SD9549874923).
Return to Walden Head by retracing your steps to the boundary stone, and then down Walden Moor to Walden Head.