description Buckden Pike Overview
Buckden Pike is a prominent moorland summit in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, England, reaching an elevation of 702 meters in the upper region of Wharfedale. The hill is characterized by its expansive blanket peat bogs and heather-covered moorlands, which provide a habitat for upland bird species and grazing sheep. Near the summit stands a memorial cross commemorating a tragic 1942 Royal Air Force aircraft crash that claimed the lives of a crew of Polish airmen, serving as a landmark for hikers.
help Buckden Pike FAQ
How high is Buckden Pike?
Buckden Pike reaches 702 metres, or about 2,302 feet, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its grassy summit lies above upper Wharfedale, according to the [Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/buckden_pike/).
What is the memorial on Buckden Pike?
A cross near the summit commemorates five Polish airmen who died when their Wellington bomber crashed in a snowstorm in 1942. The lone survivor followed fox footprints to safety, and the memorial includes a bronze fox head.
What historical route runs across Buckden Pike?
Buckden Rake follows part of a Roman road that linked the forts at Ilkley and Bainbridge. The lower slopes also contain remains of old lead-mining works and buildings, giving the moorland a history beyond walking and scenery.
Where can you start a walk to Buckden Pike?
The main approaches run from Buckden, Starbotton, Kettlewell, and Walden. The [park authority](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/buckden_pike/) notes that the summit gives views toward Great Whernside, Ingleborough, Whernside, and other Yorkshire Dales hills.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
