10.1 miles.
Explorer Map OL30 - Yorkshire Dales (North)
On a fine day there are stupendous views to be had on
this walk, in addition to be able to visit the remains of the lead mining
industry for which Swaledale was once so important.
With poor weather, the value of this walk would be very much diminished,
although the paths and tracks used are generally fairly good.
There is a very steep descent, followed by steep ascent, at Cringley
Bottom on the return leg of the walk. Crossing this small, unnamed beck
on the outward leg involves a similar descent and ascent, though not
so severe.
To reach Great Pinseat itself involves crossing very rough moorland,
with numerous hidden dips and pools. Visiting Great Pinseat in poor
weather is not recommended.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory Map)
As you enter Healaugh, coming from Reeth, there is a small area where
you may pull in and park a car. (SE01947 99060). There is another small
parking area further along the road. However, Healaugh is a very small
place, and all consideration must be given to the residents.
Leaving Healaugh along the road, heading West, turn right along a minor
road that leads to Surrender Bridge. A short distance along this road
is a driveway to THiernswood Hall. Turn right up this driveway.
Past the Hall, the driveway becomes a footpath running above the Barney
Beck. The footpath continues in a North Westerley direction to Surrender
Bridge (parts of the footpath are faily narrow and are on a bank high
above the beck).
From Surrender Bridge, take the broad track to first the Old Gang Smelting
MIll ruins, and then beyond to Level House Bridge.
Before Level House Bridge take the right fork, and follow the track with
Flincher Gill on your left. Continue along this track until you reach
the wasteland of past lead mining activities at Forefield Rake. Here the
track is marked by a series of cairns.
At NY970 024 you may want to head North for a couple of hundred yards
over rogh moorland to reach the summit of Great Pinseat, - marked by a
Trig Point on the other side of the boundary wall. However, this trip
is not advised in poor visibility.
Continue on the broad track, now heading South East, all the way until
you reach the minor road that runs North from Surrender Bridge.
Turn right and follow this road downhill for about 1/3 mile until you
see a footpath sign on your left. Here take the footpath Eastwards towards
the beck at Cringley Bottom. Crossing the beck involves a steep descent
and ascent.
From Cringley Bottom, head East along the footpath (boundary walls on
your right) until you reach a broad track. Follow this track East until
it becomes a minor road and descends back into Healaugh.