Of course it’s all highly subjective and there are many reasons why and when we choose to visit Swaledale but I thoughts I would have a look at the pros and cons of each season.

Winter - brrr it’s a bit chilly out, and the wind is picking up and is that snow I see forecast for next week? Maybe so, and don’t forget the roads can be a bit tricky and although all the main routes in the Dales are kept open higher ground and smaller roads can be impassable at times. So take care and prepare your vehicles and yourselves!

But what is nicer than coming in from a walk in the sharp, crisp sunlight and sitting in front of a toasty fire and warming yourself up? And yes, you do have to allow for changes in conditions and it can snow heavily quite late in the year (my first ever visit to Reeth had an unexpected massive dump of snow one night in late April) but on the right day, you just can’t beat it!

Spring - lambs, not saying anything else. Unless you have seen them running around skipping, and they do, you have missed out. Fair makes your heart jump around as well! And while it can get somewhat wet and windy off seemingly endless weeks (at least it did this year) as the days become longer and warmer you just feel the urge to get outside, breathe in the super fresh air, massive lungfuls that fill you with energy and hope in equal measure.

It’s a time of change, of birth and rebirth, when nature picks up speed as the grass grows, leaves and buds take hold and flora and fauna go into overdrive to provide you, yes just you, with a show that opens your eyes and grabs hold of your soul.

Can you see the lambs? Sorry, will get a photo next year!

Summer - while there may be slightly longer queues on the roads and in the pubs a picnic down by the Swale or close to a hidden tarn can be an ideal way to spend an easy sunny afternoon. Sure the flies and bugs can be annoying but it could mean the trout are biting and the birds swooping low down by Isles bridge are so relaxing to watch. And don’t forget the bats and owls coming out at dusk!

And of course school holidays means more people, not that you ever really notice away from the main towns and villages but there are also more events, summer fetes, agricultural shows such as the Reeth Show, exhibitions and activities for all the family. Enjoy the sun, set up a bbq in the front garden of Swale View and enjoy the sounds of the land wash over you.

Summer in Gunnerside Gill, cracking walk.

Autumn - got to admit it, my favourite time of the year. Not too warm, still long days running into balmy nights and as leaves turn the countryside takes on a different feel. One where you can taste the change coming but know its not happening too quickly. Those balmy nights turn a bit colder, so wrap up on your walks but know you can still take a layer off when it gets too warm again.

And when the clocks do change it can feel a little bit sad, the summer’s gone and the shorter days and longer nights are ahead but embrace the change and guess what, it will be Christmas soon - and that can be a whole heap of fun gathering in the kitchen or around the fire with the family.

Hope that helps give you an idea, not really a systematic breakdown of each season but it will give you a flavour for each season in Swaledale.

What is the best time of year to visit Swaledale?

Swale View