10.7 miles.

Explorer Map OL30, - Yorkshire Dales, Northern & Central Areas

This walk is best undertaken in good weather, as part of it takes you up to 1650 ft in some wild and rugged country.
Although the "low level" sections of the walk are along well trodden and gentle footpaths, the route south of Ivelet takes in some steep slopes and rough ground. We also encountered a slight problem with navigation near Hill Top farm, where following the 1: 25000 map and use of a compass was needed to find the footpath.
Otherwise, there are no naigational problems.

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 parking area in Gunnerside, beside the Beck at SD95091 98271.
Take the footpath out of Gunnerside that heads West towards Ivelet. Finding the start of this footpath was not straightforward, as it now passes between a group of houses with a small wooden footpath sign to indicate where it is.
At SD94454 98075, do NOT take the footpath that is seen over the stile, but bear right and continue along the edge of the slope. This footpath takes you into the hamlet of Ivelet.
When in Ivelet, turn left down the minor road to Ivelet Bridge, and cross over the bridge to meet the B6270.
Cross over the B6270, and almost immediately on your left is a footpath that heads up the field almost due South.
Continue along this footpath to meet a minor road at SD934 971. Continue South along this road until you come to Gill Head farm.
Follow the footpath here (not clearly marked) to Spout Gill and then up to Hill Top farm. You will need to use your map and compass to find your way from Spout Gill to Hill Top farm.
From Hill Top farm, head South East up the faint footpath to meet the minor road again, and continue South (along Oxnop Scar) to the road junction at SD938 944.
Now turn back on the other road, to head Northwards down the valley (oxnop Gill and Oxnop Scar on your right) to Crow Trees Farm (SD92484 97390).
Here there is a footpath that leads West towards Muker, passing the tiny hamlet of Rash.
From Muker, take the footpath North, across the meadowland, to Ramps Holme Bridge and cross the River Swale at this point.
Follow the well marked footpath beside the River Swale back to Ivelet Bridge, and retrace your steps to Gunnerside from this point.