Length: 9.69 miles. Height change: 1,673ft. Time: 4hr.
One of my favourites in Swaledale. Not a long walk, but you certainly feel you deserve a pint at the end of it. There is also the idilic Red Lion pub in Langthwaite approximately half way round the walk.
This is an update to the original Fremington Edge walk. Sadly in July 2019, a devastating flood damaged a number of houses and destroyed many bridges and walls. The Red Lion at Langthwaite was one of the buildings damaged by the quickly rising flood water (seconds!). It re-opened in record time and is open today: Dale folk are extremely resilient.
For the walk, leave Reeth via the main road in the direction down the valley towards Richmond. Follow the road over the bridge and pass Durants garage on your left. Continue along the road then turn left on to a small road sign posted to High Fremington.
The road climbs a hill and turns right into High Fremington. Continue to follow the road turning left at a T junction. Stay on this road which will take you up onto Fremington Edge. The road eventually turns into a cart track before reaching the top. The road has terrific views over to Reeth. Once on the “Edge” continue following a wall which tracks the edge of the hill. It can be very boggy on the path, so be prepared!
Eventually you will get to old mine workings and spoil heaps – follow the track down the hill. When descending from Fremington Edge the path can be very slippy and in some parts you are walking on scree, so be very careful. Once at the bottom, turn left into a field, follow the track until you meet the Arkle Beck. You now turn right to Langthwaite and follow the path with the Arkle on your left. In a mile, you reach Langthwaite – enjoy the pub!
To return from Langthwaite, re-trace your steps along the Arkle. Once you get to the point where you met the Arkle, continue on down the valley with the Arkle on your right. Follow the path all the way to Reeth, noting you will leave the path to cross fields about 1 mile from Reeth – see map. You will need to wear hiking boots for this walk. Great walk to do in spring, particularly when the Blackthorn is in flower and in summer why not finish up playing Quoits on Reeth green?