Swale Trail

​There's no doubt that cyclists love to come to the Yorkshire Dales to struggle up our hills and 'whoosh' (that may not be the technical term...) down again, but not everyone wants to challenge themselves to that degree. 

Last year the Swale Trail opened, which is fantastic if you want to get off the busier roads for some gentler cycling. It's suitable for children or less experienced cyclists and enables you to enjoy wonderful Swaledale scenery.

Some of the route is on quiet back roads but most of it in on unsurfaced tracks which has been upgraded and levelled to improve the surface. The 12 mile route of the Swale Trail is well signposted throughout from Keld to Reeth. 

Image by Paul Harris

From Reeth to Gunnerside the route is mainly traffic free, with lots of stone tracks​. Some of the route follows the Corpse Way and the middle section is quite flat, going through native woodland to Gunnerside. The final section from Gunnerside to Keld is a bit harder, but that means you'll be rewarded with even more stunning views! As you cycle towards Keld you'll see reminders of the long-gone lead mining industry, and Keld's wonderful waterfalls. 

If you need to hire bikes, give Stage 1 Cycles in Hawes or the Dales Bike Centre a call.