River Swale in Springtime
14 people attending
6 places left
Join Steven and the OutdoorLads for a less challenging, relaxed slower paced hike around Swaledale both upstream and downstream of this pretty Yorkshire market town.
The walk visits the terrace around the castle walls , then spends time visiting many of the local points of historic interest close to and higher above the rocky roaring river.
The route makes use of the winding paths in the dense deciduous woodland on the steeper slope avoiding the very steep set of steps built by prisoners of war. There are distant glimpses of the Hambleton Hills and the higher Pennine fell tops when crossing to the southern side of the valley. The feeling is of very much in wilder more remote countryside even though the town is never really far from you.
The walk also passes the old railway station although redundant in train travel terms this has been reborn as a venue for food, cinema and arts and crafts shops.
On the final stretch of this rewarding day out after crossing an old railway bridge the impressive ruins of an abbey are revealed and demand exploration and photography.
So if you want an easier more sociable walk round in early spring please come and join the OutdoorLads in a town easily accessible from the A1 and with good public transport links.
Photo Credits - All the photographs used on the event page were taken by the walk leader and kind permission has been given for OutdoorLads to use.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
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COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. Read the NHS self-isolation guidance.
- OutdoorLads strongly encourages all attendees to take a rapid lateral flow test immediately prior to attending an event. This will help to keep everyone safe. Order free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests.
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
Please bring snacks, a packed lunch, plenty of drinks hot or cold. If weather is fine we will stop in a beer garden of one of the two pubs passed on the route.