Walk 1340 - Muker & Upper Swaledale from Keld

      
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Upper Swaledale is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting areas within the boundaries of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This route is no exception and offers a mixture of high level and valley walking with visits to picturesque villages. As a bonus the area is rich in industrial heritage and you are able to see at first hand some of the remaining ruins.

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

The walk starts in the small village of Keld (Grid ref. NY892011) where there is car parking, public toilets and limited opportunities for refreshments. Leave the village and take the left hand fork to reach the main road. Turn left towards Muker and after approximately 400 metres turn left down a signed bridleway. This route leads across the southwestern side of Kisdon Hill before dropping steeply into the attractive village of Muker (shop, pub, refreshments etc.).

The onward route is located to the north of the church down a minor road flanked by cottages. The footpath strikes north (Grid ref. SD 910980) across hay meadows for approximately a kilometre to reach a path junction (Grid ref. SD 909986). Turn right here and cross the Swale using the substantial footbridge. On reaching the east bank of the river turn left and follow the broad track northwards alongside the Swale.

Crossing Swinner Gill (Grid ref. NY 908004) you will see extensive evidence of the lead mining that one took place in this valley with the remains of a flue on the hillside together with ruins from an engine house and other auxiliary buildings. Continuing the main path climbs to reach a junction (Grid ref. NY 904008). Turn right here and walk the short distnace to the ruins of Crackpot Hall. After inspecting these return to the main path and continue towards Keld.

Far below on your left is Kisdon Force which is an impressive sight when the Swale is in spate. Just after crossing East Gill (Grid ref. NY 896011) turn left and cross the Swale and continue into Keld village. If you want to take a closer look at the falls turn left immediately after crossing the bridge and follow the Pennine Way. After a short distance you will notice a narrow footpath on your left descending to the Swale from where a good view of the falls can be obtained.

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.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL19
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 91

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.

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