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This high quality walk is full of interest and shares part of its route with Walk 056. It includes woodland, open moor, a high-level valley side promenade and the interesting remains of the once vibrant lead mining industry in this area. The walk starts in the attractive village of Gunnerside and on most days there is ample parking in the village square (grid ref. 950982). After parking cross the bridge over Gunnerside Gill and take the footpath heading north along its east bank. Apart from a few short diversions away from the river the path dutifully follows the gill upstream passing through some pleasant woodland in the early stages before entering open meadows. As you continue to follow the river the surroundings become wilder and you reach the first substantial mine ruins of the walk, namely Bunton Mine. On both sides of the valley are the substantial "hushes" where miners washed away the soil in the hope of exposing the valuable veins of lead. Despite the demise of mining nearly a century ago the scars still remain. After Bunton Mine drop down to the valley floor to reach Blakethwaite Smelt Mill, crossing the beck by means of a small bridge. Turn back south for a short way following the clear path before taking the first clear uphill path on your right. This climbs steeply to take you over Lownathwaite Moor. In places the path is indistinct (although "Coast to Coast" walkers have added cairns in places) until you reach a track. Follow this west for about a mile and a half leaving it to follow a stream (named East Grain on OS maps) which leads you down to Swinner Gill. Reaching the deep valley containing Swinner Gill staying on the high-level path that heads south. This is a superb section of the walk offering a bird's eye view of Swaledale. Continue on this path to cross West Arn and Arn Gills, making sure you stay on the high level route. After passing through Kisdon Scar the path begins its descent to reach a minor road near Ivelet Heads. Follow the road east, turning right downhill past Gunnerside Lodge to village of Ivelet. All that remains is to follow the signed path through field to Gunnerside Village. Note - the route length for this walk is based on an optional extension to Blakethwaite Dams, which provided the water power necessary for mining operations. This extension takes you into an area that sees very few visitors. Important - For reference and safety. We walked walk 1197 on Sat 30 June 2007. Path after Swinner Gill over West Arn and Arn Gills eroded and suddenly stopped so impassable to Kisdon Scar.Group had to find lower route down with difficulty. 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. Wensleydale House Self Catering, Leyburn - North Yorkshire Ruby's Cottage, Sedbergh - Cumbria 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 River House, Malham, near Skipton - North Yorkshire Bridge End Farm, Grassington - North Yorkshire Mirefoot Cottages, Kendal - Cumbria Self Catering Directory Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales
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