Swaledale Activities
Walking
Muker and the surrounding area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, its protected wildflower hay meadows and its varied footpaths. One of our favourite routes, and there are so many, is the circular walk from Muker to Keld - a nice gentle stroll along the river Swale to Keld, then back to Muker over Kisdon Hill where the views of the upper dale are second to none. Walking is our favourite pastime and as we’ve only moved from Thwaite, we are more than happy advise you of some of the best lesser known routes if you wish. We are in the process of adding a selection of local walks to the website, so you can visit the 'Local Walks' pages for route details and directions.
Swaledale also features as part of the longer hikes such as the Coast-to-Coast and The Pennine Way.
The Herriot Way in particular is a fantastic walk and not quite so far nor as daunting as the other two. Taking about 4 days in total to complete the 52 mile circular, it’s perfect for a short walking holiday.
Photography
Swaledale is a popular place for photographers due to the varied and dramatic landscapes and the variety of wildlife and birdlife.
For those who want to learn how to make the most of their camera, improve their photograpy skills and take better landscape photographs, why not take part in a 'Camera Ramble'? A 2 hour fun and informal walk and talk, starting at, and led by the Scenic View Gallery in Reeth on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2pm.
For more details visit www.scenicview.co.uk/rambles.
Horse Riding
The Arklemoor Riding Centre
Jane is the owner of Arklemoor Riding Centre. She has spent all her life devoted to horses and is a qualified BET Ride Leader. Jane has spent the last 30 odd years riding the dales around the centre so knows the best routes to take the horses with rides of varying distances, and she has an outdoor arena with an all-weather surface of sand and rubber, perfect for those who fancy a lesson or a bit of practice before taking to the moors.
Location: East Intake House, Arkengarthdale Road, Reeth
Website: www.arklemoor.co.uk
Mountain Biking
The Dales Bike Centre
The mountain bike experts, they know the area and the best biking routes, they also offer skills courses, guided tours, bike hire and servicing and they have a cafe – so well worth a visit!
Location: Parks Barn, Fremington nr Reeth,
Website: www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk
Bird Watching
Swaledale provides a diverse range of habitat for nesting birds and it’s therefore much loved by keen bird watchers. The moorlands are alive with the haunting cries of the Curlew and Golden Plover. Swallows and Wagtails skim over the rivers and becks whilst Dippers bob up and down on the rocks. With its abundancy of frequently seen species to rare treats which may include sightings of the Ring Ousel, Treecreeper and Crossbill; Swaledale is a magical place for the lover of wild bird life.
Fishing the River Swale
The upper Swale between Muker and Reeth is a particularly delightful stretch of river with both wild and stocked brown trout. The river is stocked annually by a local angling club which issues permits to fish along several miles of river from Muker down to Reeth.
The upper reach from Muker to Gunnerside is readily fished by walking to the banks of the River Swale from Muker or parking at Ivelet or Gunnerside. It is mostly fished with fly although other methods are allowed.
Day tickets (£10) from Reeth and District Angling Club allow you to fish 5 beats from Muker down to below Reeth. Visit the RADAC website www.radac.org for more details.
