Riverside walk along the Swale

From Reeth there is a lovely riverside walk along the River Swale. The wooded banks of the river and stretches of open hillside with stone barns and walls make for a pleasant short walk.

The Walk

I came across this lovely stretch of the River Swale near Reeth whilst doing the Coast to Coast. Normally on the Coast to Coast there is a tendency to stick to the higher moors to the north but I wanted to explore the dale floor. The swing bridge at Retth offers a popular and interesting start. The river banks here are delightful and unspoilt. An excellent riverside path winds its way through some natural woodland and some open stretches of farmland.

A few weeks later I repeated the riverside walk along the Swale but doubled back from the bridge at Low Whita and returned via the southern bank. The river is not followed as closely and includes some sections of short climbs. However it does have the advantage of some lovely views over Healaugh and later Reeth itself. For me Swaledale comes alive at Reeth with the land to the west rugged and full of interest. Here the views are on a par with anything else in the Yorkshire Dales. There is such a choice of walks from Reeth it should keep any visitor happy for a number of days.

Recommend

Whilst in Reeth take a drive (or walk) up Arkengarthdale, it is a largely unspoilt and very attractive Yorkshire dale.

Navigation Tips on the River Swale

Make the decision on which path to take on the southern banks dependant on the underfoot conditions and potential views. The path nearest the river can be wet so after rain take to the path further up the hill after passing Stubbin Farm. Similarly in clear conditions the views across the valley are very good. It is one of those decisions to leave till you arrive on the southern bank.