This is an easy-going walk in Swaledale on a well-marked track. The walk combines some stunning views with aspects of the areas heritage such as some of the best mining ruins in Swaledale. There are also many shooting butts along the route as it is one of the well-known areas for grouse shooting. As such, dogs are asked to be kept on the lead during the nesting season (May to July).
The Route:
The walk starts at Surrender Bridge which is located on the road from Low Row in Swaledale to Langthwaite in Arkengarthdale. If approaching from the direction of Low Row, you shall see a parking layby to the right just before Surrender Bridge on the road signposted towards Reeth. Park in this layby, walk across Surrender Bridge until you meet the signposted track on the left.
Follow this track with the Gang Beck to the left. You shall soon reach the remains of the Old Gang Smelting Mills. The sheer scale of the remains gives us some insight into how important and big the local mining industry once was in its heyday.
Continue past the remains and the track will begin a gradual climb. You shall reach a gate where the track forks, take the fork on the right in the direction of Level House Bridge. There are a few smaller remains of the mining industry along the track and the scenery becomes rockier with the occasional grouse butt. You shall reach another gate, walk through this gate and continue to the summit of Great Pinseat.
Continue on the track which gradually descends past the sheep fold on you left until you end up back on the road from Low Row to Langthwaite. Follow the road right and you shall end up back to at Surrender Bridge and the layby where you parked your car.
If you have time and if you are interested there are more mining ruins to the left of Surrender Bridge that are worth exploring before you head off.
