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This walk is rather more energetic than it might appear when looking at a map. The start is the pleasant Dales village of Thwaite with visits to two other communities in Swaledale, Keld and Muker. The route contains sections of the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast National Trails. The start if the small village of Thwaite. I parked in the lay-by on the south side of the river on the approach road (Grid ref. SD 891981) from Muker. Wherever you park do be considerate for the needs of the local community. After parking walk into the centre of the village and turn right following the Pennine Way signs for Keld. After crossing a few meadows the path starts to climb onto the flank of Kisdon Hill. The signage is clear and ignoring all other paths stay with the Pennine Way as it turns north and runs parallel to the River Swale, which is now some 400n feet below you on your right. The views are impressive and with the aid of your map you should be able to pick out the return route on the other side of the valley. Continuing on the Pennine Way the path descends slowly towards the village of Keld veering northweat as the village gets nearer. Far below, on your right, as you pass through woodland is Kisdon Force, whcih in spate is worth a detour. However on all my visits to the area the water level has been low and the waterfalls disappointing. Reaching a path junction (Grid ref. SD 894010) you have the option of continuing into the village of Keld where there are limited opportunties for refreshments and public toilets. If you do not want to visit the village, turn right at this junction and cross the River Swale. On reaching the other side, leave the Pennine Way and turn right. You are now on the Coast to Coast National Trail. The path climbs a little to reach a juntion (Grid ref. SD 904008). Bear left here and continue past the ruins of Crackpot Hall to enter the gorge containing Swinner Gill with ample evidence of the former extensive lead mining operations. Follow the gill upstream to groid ref. SD 913012 where you cross the stream and turn south along a high level path. This followed across the side of Black Hill with excellent views of Swaledale. Reaching Arn Gill (Grid ref. SD 912992) descend the path on the south side of this stream for a short way before turning left along a path that more or less contours the hillside into woodland. This path drops further to reach a track (Grid ref. SD 911985). Turn right here and drop down to the footbridge over the River Swale (Grid ref. SD 910986). Cross the bridge and ina few yards turn left onto the flagged path to Muker. Crossing a number of meadows you reach the village. Muker has a cafe, pub, toilets and shop and provides a good place to spend some time. Exit Muker on the path at the western end of the village that leads to Usha Gap Bridge (Grid ref. SD 900979). After a short section along the road a further path leads off right to cross fields and lead you back to Thwaite. Suggested Maps It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.
Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps. Ruby's Cottage, Sedbergh - Cumbria Wensleydale House Self Catering, Leyburn - North Yorkshire Milburn Grange Holiday Cottages, Appleby-in-Westmorland - Cumbria Appleby Manor Country House Hotel, Appleby-in-Westmorland - Cumbria Tufton Arms Hotel, Appleby-in-Westmorland - Cumbria Eden Holidays, Appleby-in-Westmorland - Cumbria The Old Station Inn, Giggleswick, Settle - North Yorkshire Mirefoot Cottages, Kendal - Cumbria Sycamore Barn, Reagill, Penrith - Cumbria New Ing Lodge, Shap (Lake District) - Cumbria Self Catering Directory Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales
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Merrell Chameleon Merrell Boots
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