Length: 10.5 miles. Height change: 3,300ft. Time: 4hr 10min.
A terrific hike taking in upper Swaledale in all its glory: moorland, meadows, riverside and lead mining with views up and down the Dale. Park in Keld: in summer and public holidays, the farm usually has a simple coffee shop open and there is the Keld Lodge Hotel outside the village should you need something before or at the end of your walk. The hike starts on the road which you follow until a cart track takes you up onto the top of Kisdon. Great views. Once you have crossed Kisdon and before the main descent, there a great viewing spot overlooking the Swale valley and down onto Muker. We have stopped at this point loads of times over the last 30 years or so and it still impresses. From here you have a long and steep descent into Muker, home of the Muker tea shop and Farmers Arms. The Muker teashop is highly recommended. Nick and Allison are talented chefs and know how to put on great service: try the Yorkshire rarebit. The hike then takes you through Muker meadows, across the Swale and back up on to the tops for all round views. Its then time to descend Swinner Gill – be careful since the path can be poor and then on past Crackpot Hall for the return to Keld. When passing through Swinner Gill look out for the old lead mining buildings and hole! You will need to wear hiking boots for this walk.