Penn Hill
We haven’t had the best spring this year, the weather has been a little temperamental to say the very least! But the second bank holiday in May, was a beautiful sunny day. For the first time this year, the sunscreen was out and the sunglasses were on…summer has finally arrived in the Yorkshire Dales (fingers crossed). What a lovely day for Greg’s (our yellow Labrador) birthday walk – 11 years old, hurrah!!
Great Pinseat from Surrender Bridge, Swaledale
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 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.
Fore Gill Circular Walk
This walk is a great walk which keeps mainly to the lower ground along the Arkle Beck and finishing off with a lovely stroll along the River Swale. A perfect choice if you are not in the mood for a hard uphill hike!
I started at the Bridge Inn at Grinton in Swaledale. From the pub turn right in the direction of Fremington over the bridge. When you pass the Dales Bike Centre cross the road and walk past the bus stop and around the bend.
On the left you shall notice a lane heading up to High Fremington. When you reach the houses at the top of the lane keep right and follow the grassy path keeping the stone wall to your right. This grassy path reaches a narrow road, turn right up the hill.
Gunnerside Gill
Gunnerside Gill is a fantastic walk! In fact it has to be one of my favourite walks, as although it is relatively hard in places it is well worth it as parts of the walk are quite dramatic and the views are sensational! The photos are from a very icy Sunday in January, crampons would have been a good idea but alas I was not that organised. Lesson learnt…I now have crampons in my pack as essential kit on all winter walks!
High Harker Hill from Grinton (or Reeth)
Our soggy walk started at the Bridge Inn in Grinton, about a mile outside of Reeth. Normally the car park at the Bridge Inn is for patrons only but, and I quote “if you’re popping in for a cheeky pint after the walk your more than welcome to park here” Andrew, Landlord. Alternatively, you can park in Reeth and start the walk from there.
If you do choose to park in Reeth, there is parking on the village green which is payable on a donation basis of £1 for the day – bargain! Once you’re parked up, walk down the hill in the direction of Grinton. Follow the road around until you reach the Bridge Inn.
Malham to Kilnsey Circular
We parked in the National Park Centre car park which is £4 for the full day, please be mindful that this car park does fill up quickly. Don’t threat if you are unable to park here as there is an overflow car park that opens a little later in a field almost opposite and is slightly cheaper at £3.50 for the full day.
The Malham to Kilnsey circular starts at the opposite end of the village from the car park. Turn left out of the car park past the Old Barn Cafe, the Old Smithy and the Buck Inn until you get to a fork in the road. To the right takes you to the Lister Arms to the left will take you up to the beginning of the walk – take the left fork.
Mill Gill Circular Walk, Wensleydale
This is a short and enjoyable walk with interesting points on route such as Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Force. It’s a relatively easy walk with great views of Wensleydale. However, after heavy rainfall the paths can become muddy and start to deteriorate.
The walk begins at Askrigg in Wensleydale. Parking is available in front of Saint Oswald’s Church at the bottom of the high street. There is no parking fee as such but there is an honesty box for donations.
Pubs in Wensleydale
A visit to the Yorkshire is never complete without a good old pub crawl! We’ve put together a directory of some of the quality drinking establishments you’ll come across in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North York Moors National Park and North Yorkshire.
Remember to keep checking back as we shall frequently be updating these pages as we complete our mammoth pub crawl – it’s a hard job, but I guess someone has to do it!
Yorkshire’s finest pints
You’ll be pushed to try all the traditional Yorkshire ales in one visit to Yorkshire, but here are a few old and new Yorkshire favourites all from local breweries:
Mobile Chippy
This unique little business run by Pauline and Richard Ramsey has successfully delivered chips across Swaledale and Wensleydale for the past 30 years. What’s more, apart from their annual one week holiday, they have only failed to drive the renowned route four times due to bad weather. They continue to provide this great service as the good ladies and gents of the Yorkshire Dales love a good cod and chips…that’s what we call dedication!