Local Circular Walks

One of the best ways to explore Swaledale and its spectacular scenery is on foot, and we are happy to provide our guests with route maps for the many circular walks which start from Park House, ranging from 2-12 miles. These include the Keld loop, the Muker circular and the Ravenseat round, and we also have maps which can take you further afield to Tan Hill, Gunnerside or Reeth. Visit www.wildcardwalks.co.uk to see details of some local walks including professional photos taken along the way.

Mountain Biking

The Swale Trail is a 12-mile mountain bike trail created along the length of Swaledale.

Did you know the Tour de France passed within two miles of Keld? Why not try completing part of the course over the infamous Buttertubs Pass. You can hire a wide selection of bikes (including electric bikes) from the Dales Bike Centre in Reeth.

Waterfalls & Wild Swimming

Take a short walk to visit the Swale’s stunning waterfalls. 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.

In the right weather, these can offer great spots for wild swimming. Right beside Park House, runs the Rainby Force. A wide waterfall with a large swimming hole at its base, easy to access from the site. Nearby, the Wainwath Falls and Kisden Force also have their own pools.

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 directly.

Working Sheepdog Demonstrations

From May to October, International Trialist Richard Fawcett gives weekly sheepdog demonstrations just outside Hawes. The show is for all the family; Richard shows his dogs’ skills 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. Richard intersperses demonstrations with information on local farming history, the area, the sheep, and his dogs, with a chance to ask questions at the end. For details 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

Local Attractions

Tan Hill

Take a scenic drive or join the Pennine Way to walk four miles to the famous Tan Hill Inn, which, at 1,732ft above sea level, is the highest pub in Great Britain. Visit: www.tanhillinn.co.uk

The Wensleydale Creamery

A trip to the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is highly recommended. With 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. Visit: 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 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 offers locally grown produce and crafts. Leyburn has great pubs and places to eat and a host of independent shops around a large historic marketplace.

Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle is one of the country’s best-preserved medieval castles; originally built as one of the most luxurious homes in the land, the castle bears the scars of more than 600 years of history. Bolton Castle provides a range of exciting things to do, from family days out to educational trips and historic tours.

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 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.