Up Hill and Down Dale Yorkshire Dales Pennine Circular
9 people attending
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This walk is a more challenging route, not for the fainthearted or those with less walking experience. A lot of the sections make use of unfrequented paths and there are several climbs (some that are fairly steep) spread throughout the walk. If you are feeling fighting fit and want to test them legs join Steven and the OutdoorLads for this near thirteen mile rewarding round in the remote Yorkshire Dales.
Waterfalls are a big feature of this walk and several are seen at close quarters others glimpsed from afar, the deep valley of Upper Swaledale cuts into the Pennines and was justifiably chosen by Alfred Wainwright for his Coast to Coast route. Mother nature has truly excelled here and the abandoned farmsteads just add to the feeling of isolation.
We follow part of Wainwright's route for almost a quarter of the walk , the leader has walked this path on his first expedition twenty years ago so expect many tales about this on the way downhill. A recent return to do the Coast to Coast challenge resulted in a complete successful crossing again for the walk leader in early Autumn 2021.
The walk starts with a climb up above the four hundred metre contour and there will be plenty of pauses for a breather/drink or photograph, then as the contours become kinder extensive views are revealed on the watershed. A lot of the nearby high Pennines are in view Great Shunner Fell looks lofty from here and the limestone scars are seen at close quarters on the following descent.
The path down in the dale wanders through the maze of dry stone walls to the other side of the valley and after a short break another climb on an indistinct trail rises to a similar elevation as the group reached previously, then a very gradual descent through grouse moor leads back to the River Swale and a small waterfall by a bridge.
Several stone barns are passed as the route weaves up to the remote spot of Ravenseat. There may be a chance here to have a cup of tea and cake as this is run as a cafe in peak visitor times. The farm has featured in a television series and the Yorkshire Shepherdess might greet us here.
Another slower ascent follows skirting a ravine before reaching a broader moor, passed another ruin and then above a tree covered limestone scar descends to the opposite side of the Swale to Keld and a visit to a series of some beautiful waterfalls.
If time allows we will walk over to the inn on the other side of the village before doing the easy gradual descent of the walk.
So if you would like a full day out and need a good bit of exercise please do come along join the group and see a remote corner of the Yorkshire Dales , who knows you might be persuaded to walk the 192 miles of the Coast to Coast yourself some time soon.
Photo Credits - All photographs were taken by the walk leader when checking the route out. OutdoorLads has been given permission to use at any time.
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Plenty of snacks and a good sized packed lunch is needed, if hotter weather a juicy fruit would be refreshing. Please make sure you have a lot of water recommend two litres. The several ascents make thirsty work.