Things to do in and around Swaledale during your stay.
Local Circular Walks
Swaledale is one of the most beautiful of the Yorkshire Dales and best explored on foot, therefore maps of a range of circular walks (many with a pub in the middle) starting and ending right here are provided.
Mountain Biking
Cycle the ‘Swale Trail’, a 12 mile mountain bike path created along the length of Swaledale. The Tour de France also passed within two miles of Keld, therefore why not try completing part of the course taking in the infamous Buttertubs Pass. A wide selection of bikes (including electric bikes) are available to hire from the Dales Bike Centre in Reeth..
Waterfalls & Wild Swimming
Take a short walk to visit the numerous stunning waterfalls in the area and under the right weather conditions the River Swale offers several great spots for wild swimming. On site there is easy access to the waterfall Rainby Force, at the bottom of which is a large swimming hole, plus Wainwath Falls and Kisden Force also have their own pools and are just a short walk away. Please be aware that slippery rocks, deep cold water and strong currents make wild swimming potentially dangerous and should only be attempted by strong swimmers under the right conditions and so is done entirely at your own risk and we cannot accept any liability for any injury's which may occur. The Dales Dipper however (www.dalesdipper.co.uk) offers fun, friendly, relaxed and safe guiding services to wild swimming groups and individuals of all abilities looking to explore and experience wild swimming in the local area and you can book with them direct. During your stay you may see kayakers going over the falls or at certain times of the year look out for brown trout jumping up the waterfall as they migrate upstream and wild otters swimming in the river or playing on the banks.
Working Sheepdog Demonstrations
From May to October, International Trialist Richard Fawcett gives brilliant weekly sheepdog demonstrations just outside of Hawes. The show is geared for all the family with lots to keep both old and young entertained. Richard gives an introductory talk on local farming history, the area, the sheep, and his dogs. The action is interspersed with more interesting information and anecdotes and concludes with an opportunity to ask questions. There’s also an opportunity to watch Richard and his dogs in a working environment showing flock work, a typical sheepdog trial, young dogs at various stages of training and ability, and two dogs working together. For time and prices please visit www.sheepdogdemo.co.uk.
For the Adventurous...
Alfresco Adventures are a local company whose fully qualified instructors offer a wide range of activities including Canoe and Kayaking, Gorge walking, Mountain Biking and climbing in the area. www.alfrescoadventures.co.uk
Working Sheepdog Demonstrations
From May to October, International Trialist Richard Fawcett gives brilliant weekly sheepdog demonstrations just outside of Hawes. The show is geared for all the family with lots to keep both old and young entertained. Richard gives an introductory talk on local farming history, the area, the sheep, and his dogs. The action is interspersed with more interesting information and anecdotes, and concludes with an opportunity to ask questions. There’s also an opportunity to watch Richard and his dogs in a working environment showing flock work, a typical sheepdog trial, young dogs at various stages of training and ability, and two dogs working together. For time and prices please visit www.sheepdogdemo.co.uk or ask at reception for further details.
Local Attractions
Tan Hill
Take a scenic drive or join the Pennine Way to walk the 4 miles to the famous Tan Hill Inn, which at 1,732ft above sea level makes it the highest pub in Great Britain. www.tanhillinn.co.uk
The Wensleydale Creamery
A trip to the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is highly recommended. Receiving over 200,000 visitors each year, their Visitor Centre incorporates a museum, viewing gallery, specialist cheese shop, fully licensed restaurant and a free tasting room where you can sample all of the different varieties. www.wensleydale.co.uk
Hawes
The thriving market town of Hawes is 10 miles away and home to the Wensleydale Creamery (www.wensleydale.co.uk), the Dales Countryside Museum (www.dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk) and the Ropeworks (www.ropemakers.co.uk). Market day is Tuesday when everyone enjoys the lively atmosphere and there are also an array of interesting independent shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes to visit. Hardraw Force, England's highest single-drop waterfall is also close by.
Kirkby Stephen
The ancient market town of Kirkby Stephen is a 25 minute drive away in Cumbria’s upper Eden valley. It’s a traditional market town of historic buildings, cobbled yards, quaint corners and interesting shops and also has a station where you could board the train on the famous Carlisle to Settle railway line.
Leyburn
Overlooking the peaceful and tranquil scenery of Wensleydale, Leyburn is a scenic 35 minute drive away. Market day is Friday and on the fourth Saturday of every month the Farmers Market comes to town offering locally grown produce and crafts. Leyburn offers great pubs and places to eat and a host of independent shops, around a large historic Market Place.
Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle is one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles; originally built as one of the finest and most luxurious homes in the land, the castle bears the scars of over 600 years of fascinating history. Bolton Castle provides a huge range of exciting things to do. From family days out to educational trips and historic tours you will find a raft of sights, sounds and smells which bring the castle to life and make for a truly memorable trip.
Barnard Castle
The lively and bustling market town of Barnard Castle is just a 35 minute drive away, with regular markets, speciality shops, bars, restaurants and tea rooms. The town is steeped in history and you can take a tour of the castle or take a trip to the widely acclaimed Bowes museum.
Richmond
The beautiful market town of Richmond is a 45 minute drive away. Take in the Georgian architecture, visit the Norman castle, museums and abbeys or visit the large cobbled market place surrounded by a great variety of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.