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This walk up Buckden Pike is one of a series of three more leisurely Hewitt ascents from the Wharfedale valley, planned for the Christmas and New Year period. Ideally, as there are two of us on these ascents, there will be a welcoming pub with a warm fire and good beer waiting at the end of each walk. Parking in Starbotton, we climbed steadily up Walden Road (mostly a green path) into some slushy snow and a cloud-line at 600 metres. Nearing the long ridge we met two great guys (father and son?) who warned us of the approaching bog so we adjusted the route to follow the track to the south and west of the stone wall. Amazingly, we crossed a stile near the memorial cross and alighted upon one of those perfect newly laid paths which led to the trig point and cairn marking the top of the Pike. Wonderful views, all of 50 metres! We chose the conventional descent to the north, then west towards Buckden. Initially the path is excellent, although the slushy snow led to some slippery conditions. However, the path turned into a muddy, boggy yomp over the long section of Buckden Moor (Cow Close) only improving once we met the Pennine Journey bridleway. Given the presence of the stone slab footpath on the top of the Pike I expect there are plans to pave this long and difficult stretch across the Moor, but in the meantime purists will enjoy the authenticity of the mud in winter conditions. Me, I have no objections in some of the more difficult areas to a narrow stone path and the occasional boardwalk bordered by restored moor. Down in to Buckden then across the bridge to the river to follow the Dales Way back to Starbotton. We arrived just after the pub had closed so, drive down to Kettlewell for a pint in front of a log fire in the BlueBell. Next in this short series, Great Whernside on Saturday morning if the weather is reasonable. It's great being a fair-weather walker!