The river Wharfe rises in Langstrothdale, once an ancient hunting forest before officially becoming Wharfedale at Buckden.

The main village, Kettlewell, is famous for the original Emmerdale Farm opening scenes and is featured prominently in the film Calendar Girls. It is also well known for the Scarecrow festival every year during August.

The scenery in Upper Wharfedale is dominated by the Great Scar Limestone and is a great contrast from the rich green meadows of the valley bottom. Kilnsey Crag is the most well known feature of the valley - a spectacular rock formation, very popular with climbers of all abilities. The Kilnsey Show, held at the end of August, includes Fell Racing up the Crag as the show highlight.