Reeth & The River Swale

Sunday 17th August 2025

It had been such a long time since I'd been able to get out for a country walk - well, it was only a month I suppose but it had seemed like an eternity. We had been dealing with my poorly parents, childcare for our Grandchildren and a few other domestic commitments that you wouldn't really be interested in. Plus, to cap it all, I had been suffering with a bad back.

So to finally get the chance to get some country fresh air and some healthy exercise, I was overjoyed.

I decided not to do anything too strenuous, bearing in mind my long layoff and my worrying back, so I picked an old favourite of mine and headed for Swaledale.

This time though I decided to venture into slightly new territory for me and stay to the south of the river rather than my usual routes on the north.

It turned out to be a good decision - granted, the north side is better in my opinion, but this was an interesting new route, certainly not hard and with such nice weather, the walk was very pleasant indeed.

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Distance: 10.6 miles

Duration: 5:00 hours

Ascent: 1857 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Accompanied By: On my Own

Weather: Warm & Sunny

3D outline of route

Parking

I parked on the grass in the centre of Reeth.

£2 honesty charge which was gladly paid considering the parking charges elsewhere around the region.

In the corner of Anvil Square is a small alleyway which directs you towards the river.

First glance at High Harker Hill - I'll be heading that way, but I don't intend to get right to the top, just to walk round it.

The Reeth suspension bridge.

But why is it called the Reeth Swing Bridge? It doesn't swing other than wobble a bit as you walk across it? answers on a postcard or in my mailbox.

Onto the grassy fellside as I start to gently gain height.

A feint path guides you towards an old farm building.

A bit like the North York Moors at this time of the year with all that purple heather around.

Reeth Low Moor on the other side of the Swaledale valley.

Picking up the prominent bridleway as I ponder whether to pop up to the summit or not, but I decided to stick to my original plan and head westwards by following the main track.

Looking back towards Reeth with the outline of the Iron age Maiden Castle just about visible in the foreground.

No idea at all why this cairn is here other than possibly showing the site of Maiden Castle which is nearby?

Looks like a shooting lodge to me, especially with so many grouse butts dotted about.

This was a friendly chap - he didn't seem to bothered about me, maybe it was because I wasn't dressed up in green and carrying a shotgun.

Heading downwards from Harkerside towards the river .

En-route to Bank Top House.

The path goes right through the farm buildings.

This gate wasn't easily spotted - if it wasn't for my GPS I'm not sure I would have found this.

Abandoned stone buildings certainly add to the beauty of Swaledale.

Back on ground level and with the river on my left, I pick up the Swale Trail which looks like it's used by plenty of cyclists.

Flat, easy and peaceful - perfect for the last section of my Swaledale stroll.

And there's my lunch spot with views over to Low Row.

After my late lunch, I continued along the Swale Trail and passed the bridge at Low Whita.

After a bit of country lane walking, it was a left turn and down towards the Swale.

The small village of Healaugh is over there with Reeth Low Moor overlooking.

First glimpses of the River Swale

These stepping stones could easily have been used to cross today had I wanted to - I would imagine that they are normally under water of very close to being under water. But we have had so little rain recently.

Probably could have crossed the Swale in my boots in many paces today if I had wanted to - I don't think I've ever seen this river so low.

Ah, there's the suspension bridge again - time to head back over to Reeth and head for home.

A lovely 5 hours away from everything.