Area Guide

Gunnerside in North Yorkshire is famous for a number of reasons, but in particular for its picturesque working fields in the Swaledale valley that nestle up against the River Swale. It’s a must see on your holiday in Yorkshire and the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and picnic.

About the Gunnerside Flats

The village of Gunnerside in North Yorkshire is steeped in history, making it a unique and fascinating place to visit and one of its best known sights are the beautiful fields of pasture land known locally as the Gunnerside Flats. A flat piece of land, still used by farmers for raising sheep, cows and horses, you will always see some animals grazing or sheltering in some of the barns. The land has been used for hundreds of years for farming, and the original criss-cross pattern of the stone walls is still well maintained. During the spring you’ll be treated to the sights of newly born lambs, but even in the winter you could be lucky enough to see the fields covered in snow, making for a perfect Christmas photograph.

Walking the Gunnerside Flats

Although the fields are still in use, you can walk a footpath through the middle of them or on the second path running alongside the River Swale as long as you keep your dog on a tight lead to protect the farm animals. This makes for an enjoyable and leisurely loop walk by going either way around before enjoying a tea and cake in Gunnerside village, or a nice cool beer and wine in the local pub. You can walk the loop in an hour or so depending on your speed, but we’d recommend going slowly to take it all in, watching rabbits and other wild life. There are a number of stiles to climb across because of the walls, but shouldn’t pose a problem for most.

Visiting the Gunnerside Flats

If you are staying in one of our Holiday Cottages in or near to Gunnerside, you can easily walk to the Gunnerside Flats. Alternatively, if you’re driving or cycling, your best bet is to park up in Gunnerside village and walk from there. There is a café and pub in the village for food and drinks, but if you’re planning a picnic you should bring supplies with you.