Muker, Kisdon & Keld - Circular walk in Swaledale

Saturday 14th February 2026

Walking Diary (All Walks) North Yorkshire & Co Durham Easy Walks Swaledale

Muker, Kisdon & Keld - Circular walk in Swaledale.

An excellent walk in Upper Swaledale, this time climbing up and over Kisdon en-route to Keld. So a little more ascent than the usual walks around the valley, but made all the more enjoyable with the backdrop of the snow covered countryside and the blue skies above.

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Distance: 6.7 miles
Duration: 3:15 hours
Ascent: 1529 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Easy
Accompanied By: Paul
Weather: Dry & Cool

3D outline of route

Parking

Muker has it's very own car park - Always spaces when I've gone and it saves you having to hunt one out in a small village.

Special treat today, as we went in Paul's new luxurious electric car.

Crossing Straw Beck (a tributary of the Swale) before wandering through Muker.

Looking back down Swaledale as we head upwards on Kisdon.

Quite an easy track to follow on the ascent.

Following the clear path as we gain height

There was evidence of drifting in places, especially where we crossed the main track which was actually the Pennine Way - just in view below Paul.

Our route didn't actually take us to the summit of Kisdon, we skirted around it to the west, but it can be seen over there by following the dry stone wall.

Perfect Winter day.

Hooker Mill Scar and valley views in the direction of Thwaite.

The gradual descent down Kisdon

We picked up the dales road for a few hundred meters before arriving at the outskirts of Keld.

Keld War Memorial with Keld Lodge in the distance.

Unfortunately, Keld Lodge doesn't open in Winter months, so there was no chance of a pint half way round todays walk.

Heading down to the 'centre' of the village.

A famous farmhouse can be spotted on the hillside over there.

Keld was very quiet today - it probably is most days.

We turned right at the bottom and picked up the main bridleway.

Even had time for a photo thanks to a passing photographer !

The bridge over the River Swale at Keld

Beautiful Keld waterfall.

East Gill - a tributary of the Swale.

Leaving the Pennine way as the national trail turns northwards and we turn south.

A sandwich stop in this idyllic setting.

Derelict barn near the ruins of Crackpot Hall

Swinner Gill

Looking back down the valley as we near the end of our walk

It's great to see all the new Coast to Coast signposts

A bridge I've crossed many times before.

I love walking in this area, I have enjoyed so many different walks around here.

The snow covered meadows on the outskirts of Muker.

A quick glance at St Mary's church before we wander over to The Farmers Arms for a nice pint by the fire.

A proper winters walk today.