This circular walk on well-defined and well-used footpaths
will provide a wonderful introduction to the delightful scenery of Swaledale.
After initially following the Swale Trail footpath beside the River
Swale, the route then ascends to the minor road that takes you to Grinton.
This road is virtually traffic-free. However, it is very narrow in parts
and you have to be extremely wary of any possible vehicles.
From Grinton you return to Reeth using well-defined footpaths and the
pavement beside the road.
A map of the route followed has been plotted on the Ordnance Survey
mapping website, By selecting the ink below you will be taken to this
map, - complete with distances and heights marked on the route.
OS
Link
The route shown is on a standard map. To view the route
on an Ordnance Survey map, select the icon in the lower right of the
screen. If the route is displayed on a 1:50 OS map, zoom in to see
the details on a 1:25 OS map.
There is also the option to view the route in a satellite image.
Starting from the centre of Reeth there is plenty of space for parking,
but paying a fee is encouraged.
Past the Black Bull pub, go down Anvil Square to the narrow walled
footpath that takes you to Back Lane. Continue on the well-defined
footpath to the Suspension Bridge over the River Swale.
Once across the river, turn left and follow Swale Trail (a well-defined
footpath), - initially across fields before being taken on the path
beside the River Swale.
Past the stepping stones across the river, the path ascends to Stubbin
Farm.
Here continue up the farm access road to the minor road that runs
Eastward to Grinton.
(THIS ROAD IS VERY NARROW AND YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL FOR TRAFFIC).
In Grinton, turn left past St. Andrew's Church and cross the River
Swale by the road bridge.
Immediately after crossing the river, take the footpath on your left
to return to Reeth.
Just before entering Reeth, cross the road bridge over the River Swale.
(AGAIN, CARE FOR TRAFFIC IS NEED ON THIS BRIDGE.)
Once across the bridge, immediately turn left and take the footpath
that initially goes under the bridge.
This footpath runs beside the Arkle Beck.
At the end of the footpath you are on a small Green, from where you
head up the minor road to the centre of Reeth.