11.2 miles.
Explorer Map No OL30 - Yorkshire Dales (North)
A walk that takes in some spectacular Swaledale scenery,
and allows you to explore some of the remains of the lead mining industry
that used to thrive in the area. Interpretative signs have been placed
by the ruins, so that you can have a much better appreciation of what
happened at the time.
The walk is fairly strenuous, and there are sections of it that are
quite difficult. Some of the paths going up Gunnerside Gill are steep
and uneven, and the footpath crossing the Gunnerside Beck at the top
end of the walk demands special care. Possibly the most taxing part
of the walk is the descent from Gunnerside Moor to Swinner Gill, - the
path proved to be very steep and uneven in places.
Navigation is relatively straightfoward, with only one spot where you
need to pay attention to the map.
It is essential to be prepared for bad weather, and carry the correct
protective equipment, on a walk such as this.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 5
of Memory Map)
Start from the small parking area by Gunnerside's Community
Centre (used to be the Post Office), - SD95084 98224.
Cross Gunnerside Beck on the road bridge, and take the footpath North
immediately after crossing the Beck.
THis footpath is waymarked and takes you all the way to the Bunting
Level workings, about 2 1/2 mile up the Gill.
Just North of the Bunting Level workings there is a "crossroads",
with a footpath sign indicating the various directions. Continue ahead
on the footpath, which eventually descends to the Gunnerside beck, just
past a waterfall.
Find a suitable place and cross the Beck, to find a footpath immediately
on the West bank that head South to the Blakethwaite mine workings.
From here take the broad track that ascends in a Southerly direction,
until just near the head of Botcher Gill you meet a shooter's track.
This shooter's track heads North and then West across the moorland.
At SD918 013 there is a fairly unremarkable footpath sign, which is
quite easy to miss (or ignore).
However, at this point you need to leave the shooter's track and take
the footpath that leads you down to Swinner Gill.
At the head of Swinner Gill, cross the bridge and take the footpath
thta leads you to Crackpot Hall.
From Crackpot Hall, follow the track down to the foot of Swinner Gill,
then continue to near the footbridge that crosses the Swale near Muker.
At this point, continue along the track, which eventually opens out
into the minor road that takes you all the way back to Gunnerside.
THis road is almost traffic free, and affords some superb views of Swaledale.