Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden landscape

Photo by Illiya Vjestica on Unsplash

Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden

~2 days · 27 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance27 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain1,673 ft
Gain / mile62 ft
High point1,102 ft
Difficulty index9/100

What the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden is known for

Stages 1–2 of Dales Way is an official 44 km point-to-point section from Ilkley to Buckden.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 797 ft to 3,573 ft over 27 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 10.0 mi · 37%
  • Downhill 5.6 mi · 21%
  • Flat 11.2 mi · 42%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden?

9 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden scores 9/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden take?

Most backpackers hike the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 27 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden?

The Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden climbs roughly 1,673 ft total — about 62 ft per mile, topping out near 1,102 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Dales Way — Stages 1–2: Ilkley to Buckden Plan Free →