12 mile circular walk from Reeth to Surrender Bridge and past the Old Gang Smelting Mills in Swaledale

On an atmospheric day with low shifting clouds, pink from the sun just breaking through, we set off from Reeth to walk about twelve miles in Swaledale and briefly into Arkengarthdale. Not a difficult walk by any means but twelve miles is quite a distance. We walked along well made up tracks, footpaths on open moor, negotiated streams and enjoyed the views of course!

As always plan your route beforehand and take the map, compass, GPS and wear and take appropriate clothing and sturdy boots. Don’t forget the weather can be so different on the moor than in the valleys. Essential to take plenty to drink and food for the journey.

Park in Reeth on the village green, there is an honesty box asking for a small payment, find The Buck Hotel and walk along Silver Street, west, on the B6270, towards Reeth Community Primary School. Just before the school you will see a finger post off to the right along a narrow pathway, take this and progress up the hill to a field, cross the field, north west, through a gap and continuing north west to a gate near the corner. Through here onto a stony path, follow up hill ignoring the turning on your left. Keep ascending until you reach open pastureland, again follow the path to the west and come out onto a track. Follow the track to Thirns on the map and onto Cringley Bottom, leave the track following the markers. Be careful over the stream as it’s quite steep on either side but there is a foot bridge over the stream. Soon Surrender Bridge comes into view in the little valley although we don’t go to it. Go over the road and follow the track alongside Mill Gill to Old Gang Smelting Mills. Here we found a convenient bench to sit on by the side of one of the little buildings to have a stop and sit in the sun out of the wind.

Follow the track, Hard Level Gill, Flincher Gill, swing round to the north east to traverse along Forefield Rake, rather like walking on the moon up here, keep going, over Surrender Ground and eventually after a long decent you will come out onto the road. Turn left here and walk along to the water splash made famous by the original series of All Creatures Great and Small series on television. Over the foot bridge at the water splash, over the cattle grid, up the short, steep hill, and turn right to go through the gate where the road turns sharply to the left at Fore Gill Gate. Here take the lower way to Cleasby and past to pick up the route you started out on, SE 00471 99941, and retrace your steps to Reeth. It may be the same path but the views down Swaledale are lovely and you can see your destination after a long walk!

Do have a look on website for ideas of where to stay in our beautiful holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales or call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone. Or of course book online with our easy to use booking system. Hear from you soon!