Kisdon Fell Circular from Thwaite

• The best of the Dales in a single walk
• Upper Swaledale waterfall
• Muker, Thwaite & Keld all visited

Kisdon Fell is unusual in the northern Dales, and all the better for it, because of its isolation, steep sides and lack of any official tracks to the summit. The deep clefts of Angram, Straw Beck and the upper reaches of the River Swale itself contrive to leave a square block of deep limestone, gorged out by the glacier’s retreat, on which Kisdon sits. At 3 of the 4 corners of the fell are the quintessential Dales villages of Thwaite, Keld and Muker, all attractive with qualities that make them stand out. My favourite is Keld even though it is the only one that does not have a pub! I really enjoyed this circular, I had waited a long time to complete it and on a hot summer’s day I really felt it encompassed all that is good on a Dales walk. Having got the steep climb out of the way quickly there is a rough, trackless 10 minutes to the summit (a Marilyn at 1635 feet), a steep descent and then a long stroll down the upper Swale with its small but picturesque waterfalls. There are 2 choices on the walk to Muker, alongside the west side of the river or higher on the bridleway to the east – I prefer the great views from the higher route to the East. A final tramp along part of the finely named Old Corpse Road (where they took bodies over to consecrated land on the west side of the fell) to Thwaite completes a good day out.

Recommend: The walk is enhanced in May and June when the hay meadows just to the north of Muker are at their best.

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas
Start Point:	894982. I believe Thwaite is the best start point for this walk, mainly to complete the climb early but the choice is not all that important.
Terrain:	Varied as befits a classic route. Trackless to and from the summit of Kisdon Fell, bridleways predominate elsewhere.
Eating & Drinking:	Each of the 3 lovely villages has something to offer. In good weather the Keld Tea Garden is a wonderful spot, otherwise wait till the Farmer's Arms or Tea Shop in Muker.
Similar Walks Nearby:	Mining on Great Pinseat Arkengarthdale & Reeth Low Moor Industrial history up Gunnerside Gill
Places to Stay:	Rowleth End GH, Upper Swaledale