Buckden Pike Wellington Wreckage and Memorial

Start at the north walking gate of the Yorkshire Dales National Park pay-and-display car park in Buckden. Public toilets are at the car park, with refreshments in the village; check opening times before relying on them.

Climb the stony Buckden Rake bridleway through the woodland and gates. At the signed Buckden Pike junction, take the rising path east across Cow Close, rather than continuing towards Cray. Follow the meandering fell path to the upper slopes, where rock steps and paving lead to the summit trig pillar and shelter.

Continue south on the suggested route to the War Memorial, following the flagged path on the west side of the ridge wall. Use the stile and short path to the stone cross. Small pieces of Wellington N2848 remain beside the memorial and in its base. These are modest fragments, rather than an intact aircraft or large engine display. The bomber crashed in snow on 30 January 1942; five Polish crew members died. The sole survivor, Jozef Fusniak, later helped establish the memorial. Leave every fragment undisturbed.

Return over the summit and down the same Cow Close path and Buckden Rake. Allow four and a half hours for the ascent, rough ground and a respectful stop. The upper fell is exposed, with boggy stretches and steep stone sections; carry an offline map and turn back if visibility deteriorates. Avoid the lead-mine route and its steeper gill. Sheep and ground-nesting birds use the fell. Check local access and dog notices, especially for the ridge extension across access land.

Route researched from the Buckden Pike roadbook, Paws Explore North’s 2025 return walk and National Park guidance; aircraft details from Yorkshire Aircraft. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).