Reeth & Grinton
Walks from Reeth
Arkengarthdale & Reeth Low Moor
About Reeth & Grinton
Reeth is situated in Swaledale mid way between the pretty trio of villages of Muker, Keld and Thwaite and the large market town of Richmond. It sits very well as a small market town or a large village. Previously the centre of the vast lead mining industry in Swaledale Reeth is now a popular (but rarely over busy) tourism centre and farming community. Reeth has a large sloping village green with the main shops and houses situated on its fringes. The green gives Reeth its character as does the range and variety of craft shops and places to drink and eat. However I like taking time to explore the little lanes and alleys which lead off the main square, the Folk Museum up one as is the pretty children’s playground and school. From these lanes spring walks, whether shorter ones down to the river or the longer ones described above.
The history of Reeth is intrinsically linked with the lead mining industry. Reeth which stands for ‘the place by the stream’ was mentioned in the Domesday Book as a small settlement on the outskirts of the large forest which covered the whole Swaledale valley. Finally by 1885 the lead mining industry was in its death throws within the valley as cheaper foreign imports started to flood the country. There was also a strong hand knitting industry in the town and these artisans still thrive today, mainly as an an attraction for the ever expanding tourism industry. Industry, no just sensible human nature!
Half a mile down the road is the pretty little village of Grinton. Grinton would be a Dales classic if it was not split by the main Swaledale road; however it still has a lot to commend it. The Norman church is rightly hailed a classic of its type whereas just outside the village the youth hostel at Grinton Hall and the Old Smelting Works are worth visiting. The Youth hostel, which is now based at the Hall is probably the most glamorous affordable accommodation in the Dales. The Bridge Inn is a top quality pub, personally any Jennings pub is popular with me, but despite its attractions Grinton is less worthy of a stay but definitely worthy of a visit.
The Folk Museum in Reeth is based in the old methodist school room and is clearly a popular place to visit and does provide a very good history of the area but there are plenty of other shops of interest to visit. The town boasts 3 very good pubs; The Black Bull, Kings Arms and the Buck Hotel and a number of highly popular tea shops and restaurants. One final piece of advise/information I am happy to pass on is that the Swaledale Music Festival is held over 2 weeks during May and June and is the best time to visit this attrative time. A weekend break may well not be enough.
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