Walks in Whaw
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Whaw on foot.
Walk: Lead Mines of Swaledale
A lunar landscape greets the walker who ventures on to the moorland above Reeth in Swaledale. The lead mining activity that dominated the dales is evident everywhere. The Route what3words for start point: ///gain.cupboards.comet Start Point: Surrender Bridge above Reeth (on the high road between Arkengarthdale & Low Row) Finish Point: Surrender Bridge Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map leadminesabovereethDownload Walk Description From Surrender Bridge a major bridleway climbs steadily along the Old Gang before arriving in to the grey wastes above the river. Here spoil heaps, rusted machinery and the remains of 19th century stone buildings pepper the landscape. Take some time to imagine this area as a hive of activity in times past, buzzing with people and noise. A short detour to the high point of Great Pinseat completes an excellent and not difficult circuit from above the village of Reeth.
Walk: Fremington Edge Top
This is an excellent walk with variety, only two sections of significant ascent, stunning views and a pub lunch stop in Reeth midway. The Route what3words for start point: ///decanter.quits.boots Start Point: Langthwaite Finish Point: Langthwaite Distance: 10 Miles GPX Route Map fremingtonedgetopDownload Walk Description This walk is best done when there is a north westerly wind which will be behind you on the ridgeline and affects you little when returning in the valley. The village of Langthwaite has a car park on the right hand side of the main road. The Red Lion pub has pictures inside show the filming of the series "All Creatures Great and Small". The lead industry in this area was very prosperous until the early 1900 when cheaper imports forced it to close and the families had to move away or into farming. Scar House is prominent and imposing. It was owned by the Sopwith family of Sopwith Camel fame (the fighter plane.) Most of the other buildings in the area were linked to the lead industry – administrative buildings, joiners houses, a sawmill, a smithy office and workshops. The powder house can be seen in the middle of the field – a hexagonal building used to store gunpowder for use in the mines. The houses at Booze can be seen from the ridge and “Booze” in Norse language means “House on the Curved Hill.” The tradition of funeral cakes started here – shortbread tied with a black ribbon was delivered to villagers as an invitation to attend a funeral. The grouse shooting season starts on 12 August (Glorious 12th) until 20 December. The hill and moorland which is passed on the route back is Calver Hill at 470m and is a popular grouse shooting area. On the top of this hill is a large stone cross but little is known of its history.