A low level circular walk from Reeth to Healaugh in Swaledale

On a calm morning in early autumn we set off from Reeth in Swaledale to walk about five or six miles along Arkle Beck to Healaugh and back by the River Swale. A lovely easy going walk with views to the east and to the west along the length of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales. As always, please prepare your route beforehand, take the map, GPS and compass, wear appropriate clothing and footwear and don’t forget to pack drinks and snacks to keep you going.

We parked in Reeth, there is an honesty box, and set off down the hill on the road in the direction of Richmond to the bridge over Arkle Beck. Over the bridge turn left through the stile keeping to the left walk through the fields in a mostly northerly direction, sometimes following way markers, sometimes by Arkle Beck, coming eventually to a track and onwards to Castle Farm House, north west. There are loads of trees down in the beck here from past floods, must have been a terrific amount water coming down to do all that damage. Pass the farm house on the right, ignore the path in front of you but turn to go south west down the fields and pick up the driveway from the house which takes you over a bridge and up to the road NZ 02728 00850.

Cross the road and follow the footpath sign, round Black Hill and start to descend. Leave the moor and carefully follow the footpath, lovely views from here up and down dale and overlooking Healaugh. Over stiles and through gates, pass Dagger Stones, to come out at Thiernswood Hall SE 01130 99157. Here we go south east, I had intended to walk through the fields from here to Healaugh but we were too busy talking and missed the way but no matter we just walked the few yards more to the road and turned left here to walk into Healaugh.

A pretty cluster of cottages, just lovely, continue through the village to a green on your right. Convenient benches to rest a while if you wish. Two paths to choose from but we took the lower one which takes you down to the River Swale SE 01932 99023. Follow this well worn path by the River Swale, soon there is a decision to make either follow the diversion (all is revealed when you reach this point) or go past the swing bridge, both come out in Reeth and your parked vehicle.  

We don’t have cottages in Swaledale but it’s a wonderful drive over from Wensleydale. Coming from West Burton I went over the moor from Redmire and coming home the views are just astounding looking into Wensleydale. I was so overawed I had to stop to take it all in, the Yorkshire Dales just never stop giving. Do come and stay with us, call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book or book your holiday online on our Country Hideaways website.

We’ll very much look forward to hearing from you, book soon!