Things to do in Swaledale & Arkengarthdale in the Yorkshire Dales

Things to do in Swaledale & Arkengarthdale

Swaledale is the perfect place to retreat from a busy world and enjoy the pure air. As James Herriot wrote, "on the empty moors, with the curlews crying, I have been able to find peace and tranquillity. It is a land of pure air, rocky streams and hidden waterfalls.”

The River Swale is one of England’s fastest flowing rivers, rushing its way between Thwaite, Muker, Reeth and on to Richmond. At the head of Swaledale is the tiny village of Keld, the crossing point of the Coast to Coast Walk and the Pennine Way long distance footpaths. At the peak of the lead mining boom, Keld was a far larger place – learn some of its history at the Keld Heritage Centre.

Moving further north, the moors start to take over and the landscape becomes wilder and more remote. Arkengarthdale is perfect for those who prize their solitude, unless they want to sample local beers at England's highest pub at Tan Hill.

Known as The Cathedral of the Dales, the parish church of St.Andrews in Grinton is a grade 1 listed building dating from the 12th century featuring a wealth of notable features. Even older are the remains of Maiden Castle in Reeth likely dating from the Iron Age. Stunning views and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, there is truly something for everyone.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could try a multi-day self-guided walking holiday through Swaledale and Arkengarthdale arranged by Muddy Boots Walking Holidays.

Swaledale’s only town is Richmond, where the 100ft high Richmond Castle walls and sloping cobbled market place dominate the town. The Georgian Theatre has an intimate feel and fascinating history and at nearby Richmond Station you can enjoy a film and visit artisan food producers. Popular local events include the Swaledale Festival, and Muker and Reeth Shows.

On the moors you’re likely to see the small, shaggy and hardy Swaledale sheep. They are key to the livelihood of many Dales farmers. The Swaledale Sheep is an iconic breed and such a strong feature of the Dales, a Swaledale sheep's head is used as the emblem of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. So what makes Swaledale sheep so special? They're easy to recognise with their distinctive horns, black face, white muzzle and white markings around their eyes, with a thick fleece.

Swaledales are a hill breed ideally suited to upland farms and the harsh conditions many farmers face in the Yorkshire Dales. They are known to be good mothers and good foragers so can rear lambs in exposed areas, existing on sparse grazing. For the most part Swaledale sheep are kept for their meat. Their fleece tends to be more grey/brown than white and is quite coarse so it's best for use in carpets, rugs and insulation. And before someone asks - no, shearing sheep doesn't hurt them - it keeps them cool in summer and prevents some disease. It's the ultimate renewable fibre, growing back again and again.

Image by Valerie Hunter

In the lower areas, you’ll see tranquil hay meadows (at their best in the early summer months) bordered by a myriad of dry stone walls and punctuated by field barns. The hay meadows are filled with wildflowers, insect and bird life. It’s hard to believe these calm pastures and wild moors were ever a site for industry but at Gunnerside Gill you can still see the remains of the former lead mining industry. Find out more about local life by visiting Swaledale Museum in Reeth or Hazel Brow Farm.

Many people will recognise a special part of Swaledale from the title sequence of the TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small', when Siegfried’s car splashes through the stream. This beautiful spot sits in a dip in the moors beside the minor road from Low Row to Arkengarthdale, and is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery while you enjoy a picnic of delicious local food.

The Dales Bike Centre and Cakery provides both bike hire services and a café equally popular with cyclists and non-cyclists alike. The Swaledale festival usually runs over a two week period in May/June attracting over 7000 visitors anually and performers from across the world. Fleece is a popular art and crafts shop run as a co-operative by the artists themselves, located on the Green in Reeth it is ideal for picking up locally produced gifts. Hudson House Community Information Centre provides both visitors and locals with access to a diverse range of amenities.