Beyond the Tourist Trail: Hubberholme and Litton’s Hidden Magic
From your base at Karnten Cottage in Askrigg, it’s a lovely 30-minute drive south into Wharfedale to discover two of the Dales’ most perfectly preserved gems. Hubberholme and Litton sit tucked into the upper reaches of the dale like secrets waiting to be shared – and they’re absolute heaven for adventurous dog walkers seeking something special.
The narrow lane winds through stone-walled fields dotted with sheep, climbing steadily until you drop into Litton first. This tiny hamlet feels almost impossibly remote, a cluster of honey-coloured cottages where the only sounds are bleating sheep and the River Skirfare babbling nearby. There’s no shop, no pub – just pure, undiluted Yorkshire Dales atmosphere. Your dog will be beside themselves with the scents here: rabbit burrows in every drystone wall, water voles along the riverbank, and that wild moorland smell that gets their tails wagging before they’ve even left the car.
Continue up the valley and you’ll reach Hubberholme, where the George Inn sits beside one of England’s most charming little churches. This is J.B. Priestley country – the author loved this spot so much he’s buried in the churchyard. The George Inn is dog-friendly and serves proper Yorkshire fare, perfect for refueling after a ramble. But honestly, it’s the walking that brings people back here time and again.
Walks That Reward the Adventurous
The beauty of this corner of Wharfedale lies in its network of ancient packhorse routes and farm tracks that connect the two villages. The path from Litton to Hubberholme follows the River Skirfare – a gentle 2-mile stroll that’s perfect for dogs who love splashing about. The water runs clear over limestone beds, creating natural paddling pools that even the most dignified Labrador can’t resist.
For something more challenging, take the bridleway that climbs from Litton toward Old Cote Moor. This ancient track offers spectacular views back down the valley, and your four-legged companion will love the freedom of the open moorland. Bring a towel. Seriously. Between the river crossings and the inevitable bog-hopping, wet dogs are guaranteed.
The real treasure is the circular walk that links both villages via the high ground – about 5 miles of proper Yorkshire Dales walking with barely another soul in sight. The path climbs steeply from Hubberholme, levels out across glorious upland meadows filled with wildflowers in summer, then drops into Litton past ancient field barns that have stood sentinel for centuries. This is the kind of place where time moves differently, where your dog can run free and you can actually hear yourself think.
Local Wisdom for the Perfect Visit
Timing matters up here. Visit on a crisp winter morning when frost silveres the grass, or in late spring when the hawthorn hedgerows foam with blossom. Summer brings the flowers – meadow buttercups, purple clover, and if you’re lucky, the delicate pink of ragged robin in the damp patches.
Parking can be tricky – these are working villages, not tourist attractions. In Litton, there’s space by the village green if you’re considerate. In Hubberholme, the area near the church usually accommodates a few cars, but don’t block farm gates or field entrances. The locals are friendly, but they’ve got sheep to move and hay to make.
Pack a proper lunch – there’s nowhere to grab a sandwich between the two villages except the George Inn in Hubberholme. A flask of tea and some good walking boots are essential. The paths can be muddy even in dry weather, and your dog will find every single puddle between here and there.
This is remote country, so let someone know your route. Mobile signal is patchy at best, which is rather the point. Sometimes the best adventures happen when you’re properly disconnected from the world.
After a day exploring these hidden corners of Wharfedale, the thought of returning to the comfort of Karnten Cottage becomes even more appealing. There’s something deeply satisfying about discovering places that feel untouched by time, then coming home to warmth and comfort with a tired, happy dog at your
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Disclaimer: Featured images are for illustration purposes only and may not represent exact locations, conditions, or seasons. Weather, lighting, and scenery vary throughout the year. Always check current conditions before planning your visit.