Head for the more remote valleys of the northern Dales to explore fast-flowing rivers, stunning hay meadows, traditional villages and fascinating mining remains.
Spend your first day crossing the wild, open moorland between Arkengarthdale and Swaledale before enjoying a classic exploration of upper Swaledale, with its waterfalls and welcoming little villages.
Your third day takes you along the Swale to popular Reeth before heading up to Fremington Edge for views back over much of your route.
The route can be customised to suit your preferred daily distances, difficulty and pace. Contact us now for free advice.
Use the following itinerary for inspiration. Remember: all days, hotels and activities can be altered to suit your requirements. A Muddy Boots travel specialist will be happy to advise.
Settle into a fantastic country pub in upper-Arkengarthdale, with lovely rooms, great food and wonderful views of the surrounding scenery. If you would like to stretch your legs before jour journey begins you can enjoy a gentle stroll along Arkle Beck before returning to the inn for a delicious dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast
Today takes you across the wild, open moorland between Arkengarthdale and Swaledale, covering remote moorland lanes, tumbling gills and the fascinating lead mining remains of Gunnerside Gill. The end of the walk takes you past the beautiful waterfalls on the edge of the village of Keld, before a short sharp climb to the top of the village and your base for the night.
Included meals: Breakfast
After the high moors of yesterday, today’s long but gentle route along the valley provides a wonderful contrast. Begin with the only climb of the day, up Kisdon Hill, which offers wonderful views down Swaledale as you descend into the pretty village of Muker. From here, the route tracks the upper reaches of the River Swale down the valley, through traditional hay meadows before arriving at your base for the night in the tiny village of Low Row.
Included meals: Breakfast
Today you continue east along Swaledale, first along the edge of the moor, with lovely views across the valley, before dropping into the pretty village of Healaugh and following the River Swale to the bustling village of Reeth, where there are some great lunch stops! You then head steeply uphill before following Fremington Edge into Arkengarthdale.
Included meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a last full breakfast at your inn before heading home, maybe via a quick stop at the bakery in Reeth to stock up on goodies!
Included meals: Breakfast
An 18th century inn deep in the Arkengarthdale countryside, offering great food, cosy nooks and crannies, lovely rooms and fantastic views (nights 1 and 4); a former shooting lodge at the head of Swaledale above the remote little village of Keld with lovely views, a friendly bar and hearty meals (night 2); and a 17th century inn in the heart of Swaledale with well preserved original features combined with a contemporary feel, great rooms and tasty food (night 3).
We had a great time, it was lovely to be out in the fresh air and open countryside with stunning views! We enjoyed the combination of activity and relaxation, it felt like a really long break even though it was only a few days. We didn’t have to worry about anything, everything was seamless, we had no problems at all. I will definitely be looking at the website to arrange another break in the future!
We really enjoyed the trip and it has been great to feel like we’ve been communicating with a real person who cares, rather than just a salesperson with a big company! The wonderful Yorkshire Dales landscapes were the highlight of the trip and the route notes provided were clear and easy to follow.
The routes included on this trip were absolutely outstanding - we loved them all! The route notes provided were spot on and it was great to feel that we were exploring areas that don’t see many crowds. We all enjoyed the fantastic food and drink available at our accommodation at the end of each day out in the hills!
This itinerary would cost from £410 pp.
Pricing may vary by accommodation choice, group size and time of year.
Accommodation |
All accommodation in carefully-selected, characterful local inns and hotels. Optional upgrades may be available. |
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Ground transfers |
Transport from your last hotel to your first hotel to collect your car (if travelling by train, contact us to discuss options). |
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Ground transfers |
Secure door-to-door luggage transfer between your overnight accommodations. |
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Breakfast |
All accommodation on bed & breakfast basis, with full English, vegetarian, and cold/uncooked options available. (Optional packed lunches are available to order the night before.) |
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Equipment |
Detailed walking notes, a route-marked OS map, and the ‘Muddy Boots Survival Pack’ including our guide to places to visit and eat and drink on your route. |
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Support |
24/7 emergency telephone support in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong during your trip. |
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Guided excursions |
A personal guide may be available for some or all of your trip, on request. Get in touch to discuss your needs. |