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Kettlewell Wharfedale Three Peaks Trail Running Route: 44km Yorkshire Dales Challenge

A demanding 43.7km circular trail running challenge from Kettlewell car park, linking Upper Wharfedale, Littondale, high moorland and the classic Wharfedale fell summits including Birks Fell, Buckden Pike and Great Whernside.
43.7km

Distance

1817m

Elevation Gain

5.5 to 8 hours running / 10 to 12 hours walking

Estimated Time

Difficulty

Distance Band

Route Map

Details
Ultra Tour of Kettlewell

Get this route

Download GPX
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About this route

This Kettlewell trail running route is a serious Yorkshire Dales challenge from the National Park car park in Upper Wharfedale. The GPX forms a long circular route of around 44km with over 1,800m of ascent, making it closer to a fell ultra than a casual day run.

The route heads out from Kettlewell into classic Dales terrain, linking limestone valleys, remote moorland and high grassy fell tops.

It takes in the character of the Wharfedale Three Peaks area, with big climbs, rough ground and far-reaching views from Birks Fell, Buckden Pike and Great Whernside. Underfoot you should expect a mix of field paths, riverside running, steep grass, boggy trods, moorland tracks and short linking lanes.

This is best suited to experienced trail runners, fell runners and strong walkers who are comfortable with remote navigation. In clear summer weather it is a superb long day out. In low cloud, rain or winter conditions it becomes a much more serious undertaking.

Route Features

At a Glance

📍 Start:Kettlewell National Park car park, Kettlewell, Skipton

Getting there

Start Point

Kettlewell National Park car park, Kettlewell, Skipton
BD23 5QZ

Parking

Start from Kettlewell National Park car park in the centre of the village. This is a pay and display National Park car park; charges apply and spaces can fill on busy weekends and holidays. Grid ref: SD 9676 7233.

Public Transport

Kettlewell is served by Upper Wharfedale bus services linking Skipton, Grassington, Kettlewell and Buckden. Check current DalesBus/North Yorkshire timetables before travelling, especially on Sundays and bank holidays.

Toilets

Public toilets are available at Kettlewell National Park car park, including accessible/RADAR facilities. There are no reliable toilet facilities once committed to the high fell sections.

Nearest Town

Settle

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What's underfoot

A serious long-distance fell and limestone route with steep climbs, rocky descents, exposed moorland, grassy trods, stone flagged sections and some short road or lane links. The route is runnable in places but slow and technical across the high ground and limestone sections.

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Navigation Difficulty

Hard
Kettlewell National Park car park, Kettlewell, Skipton

Weather Notes

The Three Peaks create their own weather. Expect wind, low cloud and fast-changing conditions on the summits even if Horton is calm. Wet limestone and stone flags can be slippery, and winter conditions make this a much more serious outing.

Recommended Equipment

Trail shoes are strongly recommended for this route. Here’s what we’d suggest.

Recommended kit for this route

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Before, during & after

Water

Carry enough water for the full route. Natural water sources may be present on the moor and in the valleys, but should be treated and cannot be relied on in dry weather. Refill options are mainly in Kettlewell at the start/finish.

Shops Nearby

Kettlewell has village facilities including pubs, cafes and a village shop. Grassington and Skipton offer more extensive shops and services before or after the route.

Post-Run Recommendation

Finish in Kettlewell and refuel at one of the village pubs or cafes. For a longer post-run stop, Grassington has additional cafes, pubs and independent shops.

How to run it

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Follow the well-signed footpath from the car park.
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Before you go

⚠ Safety Notes

🌦 Weather Notes

The Three Peaks create their own weather. Expect wind, low cloud and fast-changing conditions on the summits even if Horton is calm. Wet limestone and stone flags can be slippery, and winter conditions make this a much more serious outing.

Local knowledge

💡 Local Tip

🧭 Navigation Difficulty

Hard

Frequently Asked Questions

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More routes nearby

Trail Art · Monetisation · Nice to have

Trail Art

Route Trail Poster

A hand-illustrated trail map poster of this route — perfect for your home or as a gift for a fellow runner. Printed on 300gsm card.

Buy the poster