Valley walks to moorland hikes
Here are some of our favourite walks and hikes in and around Swaledale. Many start from Strands View so you can leave the car on the driveway: just walk straight out of the door.
Each walk or hike route is shown on a map and you can download the GPX data at the bottom of each page if you have a GPS device or app for your phone. An interactive map also shows the location of the walks and cycle routes.
For your convenience, we have uploaded the walks onto the Ordnance Survey, so you can easily download onto their app or view the route in detail – there is even a 3D flyover of the routes. OS provide free access for 7 days. The cottage also has the Yorkshire Dales OL30 map for your use too. We will also be adding to the list of walks on this page, so do check back from time to time.
Also check out our Hike Selector to easily find a hike or walk that suits your mood.
Hike: The Corpse Way
This is a great introduction into the area around Strands and provides some stunning views up and down the Dale as well as varied countryside over a 5 mile walk.
Hike: Keld Circular
A terrific hike taking in upper Swaledale in all its glory: moorland, meadows, riverside and lead mining with views up and down the Dale.
Hike: Surrender Bridge…or bust!
Following in some of the foot steps of Major F T C Williams, this walk is inspired by “the Maj” who dominated the walking scene in the Dale at the beginning of the new millennium.
Walk: To the pub from Strands
This is the scenic route via Gunnerside Bottoms to Gunnerside for a quick drink at the Kings Head pub! A nice and easy walk to get you ready for a weeks worth of hiking…
Walk: the Strands circular
A simple walk from Strands with plenty of places for kids to play by the river, skim stones etc. There are also some deep pools which are perfect for a dip on a hot day.
Walk: Gunnerside to Muker
A simple there and back walk along the valley bottom from Gunnerside to Muker taking in Ivlet and the old pack horse bridge at Ivlet: a great subject for photography.
Walk: Reeth and Grinton
This is a short walk which can be enjoyed even when the weather is a bit iffy and in summer is great for children to play in the river.
Hike: Fremington Edge
One of our 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.
Hike: Muker circular via Keld
This is a moderate walk with a nice long warm up section and gradual climb, before the effort must start near Keld.
Hike: Muker to Low Row
This is a moderate hike starting first in the valley and walking through the meadows of Upper Swaledale. It is a perfect hike for early summer when the meadows are full of wild flowers, so bring your camera. There are also
some great eaterys on route too.
Hike: Gunnerside Ghyll
This is a full days hike and is an excellent introduction to the upper dale: you will take in disused lead mines, Low Row, Gunnerside, Ivlet, Keld and Muker. The walk is an excellent mix of river valley and bleak moorland.
Walk: Richmond and Hudswell
This walk is perfect for a Sunday: start in the morning, then lunch at the fantastic George and Dragon pub in Hudswell followed by the return journey to walk of some of the calories just put on! Or on a hot summers day, a leisurely picnic by the river after the walk?
Walk: Gunnerside Lead Mines
A lovely late afternoon walk exploring the remains of lead mining in Gunnerside Ghyll. Here you will check out the Sir Francis Level mine. Not suitable after heavy rain or when the river is high since you need to walk across the Ghyll.
Walk: Marske and Helwith Circular
At just under 6 miles, this walk packs in a lot of landscape variety: woodland, pasture, a “secret dale” and a walk on the tops. Most of the walk is on a track, so good for winter…and the snowdrops are stunning!
Walk: Medium Strands circular
At just over 7 miles, this walk is stunning all year round combining valley bottom and hill edge for far reaching views. Particularly great in early summer when the meadows are in full bloom.
Walk: Ivelet and back
A figure of eight loop starting at Strands with a mix of moorland and meadows and classic views down the Dale to Gunnerside and beyond. Good for most weathers.
Walk: Dubbing Garth Lane
This is a flatish walk around Strands and Gunnerside taking in classic Swaledale meadow land and the odd pub! Easy walking and suitable for a bad weather day.
Hike: Whitaside
Take a trip on the southside of the Dale. With far reaching views over to Strands, Gunnerside, Low Row and Healaugh this is a great hike/walk at any time of year.