Discovering Arkengarthdale

• Very pretty Swaledale valley
• Walk the banks of the River Arkle
• Picturesque village of Langthwaite

Arkengarthdale is a real find; a pretty valley stretching north from Reeth and hidden between the bleak moors that characterise much of Swaledale. I thought it was lovely and it is definitely better to start from Langthwaite and walk north, the land between Reeth and Langthwaite not so attractive or easy to follow. However starting from Arkegarthdale the land is an oasis of green, pretty buildings and centred with the lovely Arkle Beck. The schoolchildren were out playing rounders, the lapwings adding their chorus and the locals seemingly friendly and helpful. If there is a nicer place to live I have yet to find it! Langthwaite is famous for being used in the title shots for the iconic series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ but further up the valley is the more remote Whaw, one of a number of special little settlements that dot the landscape. Half way along the valley is Scar House, a lovely old Georgian House and now a shooting lodge for the Duke of Norfolk.

Recommend: If you are in a car drive out of the north end of Arkengarthdale towards the Tan Inn (the highest pub in England) and enjoy one of the great Dales roads, bleak, remote but quite magnificent.

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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:	005025. There is car parking in Langthwaite, then head out on the east side of the Arkle Beck
Terrain:	The main path beside the river is good and easy to follow but on the return I would suggest varying the route as indicated
Eating & Drinking:	The Red Lion serves a great pint in the village of Langthwaite whilst up on the main road the 18th century CB Inn (Charles Bathurst) offers good food .
Similar Walks Nearby:	Fron Richmond to Marske and back Riverside at Reeth Arkengarthdale & Reeth Low Moor
Places to Stay: