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Calver Hill from Grinton (circular)

Start/Finish: Grinton    Distance: ? miles    Time: ? Hours

Calver Hill is one of the better known hills in Swaledale and because of this has some well-trodden paths. There are a couple of routes to choose from so we decided to take the riverside walk from the Bridge Inn in Grinton.

The Route:

The car park at the Bridge Inn is for Patrons only, but you’re more than welcome to park in the car park as long as you pop back in for a pint or two with the lovely ladies and gents after your walk! (I’m sure your arm can be easily persuaded).

Out of the car park turn right and cross the road down a public footpath immediately across from the pub (it looks a little like a drive, so don’t be deterred).

As you walk down the path you shall notice the St Andrews Church on your left, you can either choose to walk through the church yard and along the road, or like us, through the woods with the river on our right.

This section of the walk is only very short and finished with some steps taking you back onto the road. It’s a nice little detour with bluebells at certain times of the year.

We continued down the road until we reached a bend with a large gate, this is part of the famous swing bridge circular walk (a lovely lower land, flat walk access either from Grinton or Reeth). Follow this path until you reach the swing bridge (around 1 ¼ miles with several gates to go through). This section of the walk is lovely as you have views of Fremington on your right,the River Swale, Harkerside to your left and straight ahead, you goal…Calver Hill.

When you reach the swing bridge, walk across it and then turn left following the river. This path takes you through a number of gates and then eventually into open fields with the river on your left.

As you continue walking you shall notice a small hamlet at the top of the fields called Healaugh. When you are directly below Healaugh and next to the stepping stones there is a path to the right which takes you through a meadow field – which is stunning in summer!

Walk through this field and through the metal gate at the top of the field. Follow the path until you reach the road with the Manor House B&B to your left. Walk left in the direction of Gunnerside for around 20 metres.

You shall notice a road up to the right through the houses. Continue along this road out of the village and through a metal gate and up the hill. This section of the walk is a pretty steep climb. Remember to turn around and look at the view!

When you have been walking for about 15 minutes there is a footpath sign. We chose not to take this route and carry on up the road. The road bends towards the top past two houses once past the second house the road turns into a path. Continue along this with the Calver Hill peak to your left. As you walk a long this path you have sensational views of the Swale Valley.

Eventually you shall see a farm on your right. Here you shall notice that there is a path trodden into the ground but it isn’t quite as obvious as the one that you shall be on. The giveaway is that it is on the bend in the path you are on with the farm on your right and a stone wall straight ahead. The stone wall curves round, as you follow the curve the path you are on begins to become a lot more clear. After around 100 yards you shall reach a gate which takes you through to an enclosed path with a stonewall on your right and a fence to your left. Follow this all the way down until you reach the road entering into Reeth. When you reach Reeth turn left and walk down the hill into Reeth.

There are plenty of refreshments available in Reeth – three pubs, three cafes and an amazing ice cream parlour – you’re spoilt for choice! Once fully refreshed walk over the green, down the hill and past the corner shop in the direction of Fremington.

Just after you walk over the Reeth Bridge you shall notice a footpath on your right hand side which takes you across the fields back to Grinton.