Wharfedale is one of the best known, and loved, of the Dales. Starting above the village of Buckden, the River Warfe flows down to Bolton Abbey. On route it passes many beautiful stone built villages and there are a number of waterfalls - the best known being Linton Falls close to Grassington and The Strid near Bolton Abbey, where the river is forced through a narrow channel.
The name of Wharfedale's river comes from the Saxon 'guerf' meaning 'swift'. It could even be named after the Old English word 'weorf' or Old Norse 'hverfr' meaning 'winding river'.
In many places it runs lazy and deep, the perfect spot for eager fishermen hunting the elusive brown trout. Fishing rights are carefully guarded so ask one of our National Park Centres for more information if you fancy trying your hand.
