The walk up Arkengarthdale and Low Reeth Moor starts at Reeth. From the village continue alongside Arkle Beck to Arkle Town. At this hamlet climb on to the moors and enjoy some great views over Swaledale on the return.
I thought the walk up Arkengarthdale and Low Reeth Moor would be good and I was not disappointed. Ignoring the accepted wisdom of walking along Fremlington Edge I took the riverside route along Arkle Beck. I always like a contrast in my walks and I was happy to get my high level fix on the bridleway which returns over Low Reeth Moor. The views from the Moor were fantastic, with much of Swaledale laid out in front. However I became distracted and was therefore set upon by one of the farm dogs near Riddings Farm. I love dogs, and collies in particular, but this was a fearsome beast.
Arkengarthdale is a lovely valley and Arkle Town quite unique. After the initial walk through the Hay Meadows I made a conscious decision to stick as close to the river as possible. Therefore this became challenging at times mainly due to the muddy path. However it enabled me to discover some lovely areas where the birch and rowan overhang the wandering river. The River Arkle winds its way up the dale. It even forms its own island at one point, with scattered farms dotted near the banks. If there is a better located farmstead than Castle Farm House I have yet to see it!
From Arkle Town walk the extra half mile into the pretty village of Langthwaite.
To enjoy the walk along Arkle Beck to the full a path leads off the road 500 metres from Reeth and after a left hand bend. After crossing the river there is a short climb to a farm before the path goes left and drops back down to the river.
We did this today but cut down to Healuagh and along the river we stopped at the Langthwaite pub too and admired the signed pictures from All Creatures Great & Small cast, recognising the village from the opening credits of the programme
This looks like a great walk. Unfortunately the link to the GPX seems to be faulty as it only leads to a photo of Reeth.
Thanks for pointing that out, correct now
It’s a lovely walk.
I didn’t want to write this on a public forum like Twitter, where I saw your post. But there isn’t a public right of way down through Riddings Farm is there? Or am I showing my ignorance about tracks etc… I only ask as if there were to be it would have implications for my own insurance…..
The open access land above Riddings farm is open to all. To head for the valley floor the easiest and best option is 100 metre to the north of the farm down Skelgate Lane which is public access. There is a second footpath through the fields to the west of the farm leading down to the main road.
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