~Summer in Swaledale~
27th July 2013
I cannot easily think of a better time and place to go for a walk than in Upper Swaledale on a warm summer's day, such as this. A brief escape from normal everyday life .....
Upper Kisdon Force
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Parking at Rukin Farm, Keld
For £2 you can park all day at the farm in Keld. Or if you're not stopping too long, it's £1. No machines, no threats, no cameras, just an "Honesty Box".
Swaledale
I left Keld village and took the southbound Pennine Way route along the flank of Kisdon Hill, climbing a bit at a time to gain an elevated view of Swaledale.
Kisdon Side
View Across to Swinner Gill
Roll over the image above to see where I had my first camping experience (in 1975) - our teacher asked the farmer for permission to camp here, it isn't allowed under normal circumstances.
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Young Rabbit |
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Swaledale Barns
Kisdon Side
Warm and sunny on Kisdon Side, the River Swale in the valley and loads of rabbits up here.
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The Descent Route to ... |
Muker |
About an hour and a half after leaving Keld, I descend into Muker, where the "Old Vicarage" dominates the foreground.
Muker Church
It's noon and I'm expecting to meet Jo Hall and her dogs, over from York.
Muker Literary Institute
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River Swale
Jo's with me now and we decide to walk along the west bank of the river, heading for the Kisdon Forces.
Sunny Swaledale
Swinner Gill
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Upper Kisdon Force |
Lower Kisdon Force |
The last time I had a dip in these waters, I was approximately 11 years old, would I be brave enough to test the waters again?
The Upper Pool
Well, there you go. Quite cool for starters, this upper pool is OK for a swim, but the lower pool is fantastic for those wishing to jump or dive in.
Jo and Amber
T'other dog, Jodie is less mobile nowadays and was resting nearby.
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Diving In |
Jumping In |
This lower pool is of undetermined depth, nobody has ever touched the bottom!
The High Jump
Not for me, this one. This adventurer even did a backwards somersault into the pool. And a reminder of June 2009, when swimming was not an option....
6th June 2009
Tea at Keld
The farmers run a campsite and also have a cafe, which is very good and stays open until 6pm.
The Swale at Keld
We took the path across the river and headed for the route back to Muker on the east side of the valley.
Swaledale
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Kisdon Side |
Crackpot Hall |
A view across the dale to the route taken earlier in the day which runs along the wall, high up the fell. Crackpot Hall has been partly restored to prevent further decay.
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Mole |
Swinner Gill |
A mole has surfaced and is in danger, he needs to get underground again, quickly! Swinner Gill was a mining area in days gone by and decaying ruins are in evidence at the foot of the gill.
Swaledale Path
This is the flat and easy route back to Muker.
River Swale
Hereabouts, we crossed the river by improvised stepping stones, not difficult after a dry month.
Ramps Holme Bridge
Embankment reinforcement has been used to prevent further erosion towards the meadows.
The Meadows sans coleur
East Lea, Muker
is for sale with a guide price of £320,000.
Walkers: Just me for the first leg and then Jo, dogs and me for a full round of Muker to Keld and back.
Time taken: A reasonable time over the full nine miles for me and six miles for the others.
Route: Keld, Kisdon Side, Muker, west bank of the Swale to Keld via Kisdon Forces, returning via the east bank and Crackpot Hall.
Weather and Conditions: Warm with varying amounts of sunshine.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2013 ©
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