What to do in Swaledale
Welcome to Swaledale!
We know you are going to have a great time as there is so much to do, if you want, but of course if you just want to relax then that is easy. So here are some things to consider while you are staying at Swale View. Should be something for everyone, no matter what age.
Walks
Walking - while there are lots of formalised routes to follow including parts of the Coast to Coast and Pennine Way (and do check out the books in house) we prefer to head off and see what we can find as there is a lot of open land you can walk across.
Please keep your dogs on leads if you can’t see what is ahead and do prepare for any weather, don’t be caught out like we have been!
Check out some local walks that we have mapped out on this site as well as there are lots of options starting from Low Row as well as those walks in and around Reeth, Gunnerside, Muker, Keld, Ivelet, Fremington, Grinton and Arkengarthdale.
Walks vary in length and difficulty but you will get some great views and an insight into the local history and geology of the area.
Swale Trail
Swale Trail - only a few minutes walk from Swale View you can walk or cycle this route. Running from Reeth to Keld it’s a fairly easy ride, mountain bike is recommended, of about 12 miles or 20km. There are some tougher climbs around Gunnerside and towards Keld while most of the road surfaces are track or quiet roads.
Image courtesy of cyclethedales.org.uk
Cycling and bike hire
Not surprisingly cycling is very popular in the Dales and around Swaledale in particular as it offers both great on road and off road experiences.
If you need to hire bikes, about 4 miles from Swale View is the Dales Bike Centre, which has all you will need from sales and service, a lovely cafe to top up on fuel, guided rides, tuition and route maps.
Image courtesy of www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/
Alpacas Trek
Just below Swale View is Hazel Brow Farm, follow the road down the hill at the front of the house. So why not pop down and say hi to the Alpacas they keep there! You can take them out for a walk in and around Low Row, feed them and take a selfie.
We would recommend you book in advance.
Hazel Brow Farm also offer educational visits. More info here.
Image courtesy of http://www.hazelbrow.co.uk
Fishing on the River Swale
There is some good trout fishing to be had on a ten mile stretch on the River Swale. Day passes are available for £10 - check here where to get your day ticket. (You will need a rod licence)
We often see the fish rising to catch the flies and later in the evening bats swoop down as well so there must be plenty of food for the fish to feed on.
Wensleydale Creamery
If you like cheese half as much as I do then I highly recommend you go for a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery. Based on the outskirts of Hawes over the Buttertubs Pass (cycle it, I dare you!) it includes a museum, shop and cafe.
I would allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the museum tour which is genuinely interesting. I found out why they use three legged stools for milking (balance on the uneven cobble floors) and I am sure you will be equally enlightened. Suitable for all ages.
The cheese shops is nuts, well, cheesy, much like this prose, but worth a visit. I am somewhat of a purest and ca'n’t be doing with nuts and such in my cheese but they have such a variety you will be very well catered for.
And don’t forget the Yorkshire Dales Cheese festival is on between 11 to 14 October 2024
Wild Swimming
If a dip in the Swale (there is a spot just by Isles bridge at Crackpot, go down the steps on the right hand side of the bridge and walk to the sandy ‘beach’) doesn’t quite do it for you there are a number of other really good spots for you to go in the dales for a quick, cooling, dip!
Notable among these are at Grassington, Appletreewick, Bolton Abbey, Kisdon and Wainwath Falls which sounds really exciting, and quite a few others as well such as Ellerton Lake. And the image you see here is of Semer Water which is also good for some wild swimming!
As always be careful as when it has been raining the rivers will swell up and become very fast moving.
Dales Countryside Museum
The Dales Countryside Museum is based in Hawes and has something for all the family based in the old Railways Station. Events and Exhibitions as well as walks and hop on board old train carriages.
There is a cafe for you to get refreshments, dogs welcome in the outside area and admission is £4.60, under 16’s free and some small concessions available.
Image courtesy of dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk/
Wensleydale Railway
Wensleydale Heritage Train - runs between Redmire and Northallerton. Check here for timetable and fares. Steam trains occasionally run so check the website for when those events are scheduled. They are pretty popular so do book ahead of time.
This is actually quite good fun and interesting in a very relaxed way. You get to see the countryside from a different angle.
There is usually a 30 ish minute break at Leyburn to get out and stretch your legs, or have a cup of tea and cake in the Leyburn village
Image courtesy of https://www.wensleydalerail.com
Bolton Castle
Ok, it’s not in Swaledale but it’s about 25 minutes from Swale View so pretty close by here so go and have a look around.
Worth checking out the gardens and falconry demonstrations as as well. Admission starts at £4.50 for the gardens, £9 for the castle and gardens and there are concessions and well priced family tickets available.
Also used as a wedding venue so check its open before you visit although you can just wander around the outside regardless of any events.
PS The drive is a good ‘un up over the top into Grinton.
Little White Bus
As you drive and walk around Swaledale you will inevitably spot the small buses driving along the roads. These are a local service running through Swaledale which does pick up in Low Row. Ideal for walks and shopping trips throughout the area. Click for the timetable.
Image courtesy of http://www.littlewhitebus.co.uk
Swaledale Museum
Based in Reeth, just off the green, the Swaledale Museum gives you the opportunity to explore the history of the local area, what the people were up to in days gone by, information on all the barns you see in Swaledale, get in touch with the artifacts and of course there is a wee tea shop to help you revive your thirst for knowledge. I know, cheesy, but there you go. £4 entry fee to help support the museum.
Watch out for lectures and there is also the archive and library to use if that is your thing. Small charges apply to access the archive.
Image courtesy of http://www.swaledalemuseum.org
Eating in Swaledale
Check out the eating in Swaledale and dog walks in Swaledale pages as well!
There is such a great variety of good food, markets, pubs and restaurants for you to choose from!
Birdwatching in Swaledale
There are loads of birds to spot and tick off - if that’s your thing.
We have identified over 80, like this lovely Yorkshire Dipper, that can be seen within walking distance from Swale View.
There are also some lovely moths as well - I was surprised as well!
Have a look at our list of 80 birds in Swaledale to spot - how many can you get?