~Muker to Keld~
26th June 2011
It's that time of year again. Just been waiting for a warm and sunny day to coincide with the weekend. Muker is less than 50 miles away from home, making it closer than Kendal. It can be a bit of a slow drive, going through Settle, Horton, Ribblehead and Hawes, but it wasn't too bad today.
Crackpot Hall
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Muker Tea Room
When the Ratcliffes go to Muker, they time their arrival for opening time at Muker Tea Room. They were open at 11:00 - the owners had "no staff" why? "They're involved in a Frisbee Tournament".
Into The Meadows
The Big Barn
The flagstones lead walkers accurately through the meadows. It's a sunny and very warm day, but I insisted on packing the waterproof jackets. The weatherman had warned of the "odd shower".
River Swale
Levels are high for this time of year. The last week has been wet and yesterday (Saturday 25th) it rained pretty much all day. Today, we chose to do the walk - anti-clockwise - so the east bank (right)first and returning on the west bank (left).
Swaledale
Swaledale
We are now climbing into Swinner Gill, an old lead mining area and deep fellside gorge.
Swinner Gill
Our route took us through the bracken and then across the beck just above the second waterfall.
Landslip
The ground on the other side of the beck has slipped since my last visit.
Karen in Swinner Gill
Apart from the obvious in the foreground, you can also see the path on the other side of Swinner Gill and the route we chose in Swaledale.
Mining Area in Swinner Gill
My suspicion is that the walkers in view had come over from Gunnerside.
Miners' Bridge
Last year, most years indeed, it is possible to walk under this bridge and keep your feet dry. After here it is along a high level path back to the slopes overlooking Swaledale.
Swaledale
From the area near Crackpot Hall it is possible to see walkers on the return route to Muker, passing derelict barns. The boggy ground has formed a humanoid shape, do you see what I mean?
Crackpot Hall
The Tractor Driver
All who pass here and have the luxury of a photographer must sit and pretend to drive the old wreck.
Kisdon Forces
...are in there somewhere. We have already decided not to clamber down to the waterfalls today due to the muddy nature of the route and pressure of time. We're heading for Keld and further refreshments.
East Gill Force
Rukins Refreshments
We called in for tea and, in my case, tiffin. The tiffin was so good that I went back for my second and the only remaining piece. Well, it might have gone off. On our way back to the river we bumped into Jo Hall and her dogs. I knew Jo was heading in this direction, we might have gone back to the cafe with her, but there was no tiffin left, er I mean we had to get on, there was hair to wash later on.
Swaledale Barn
If I knew why these barns have stones sticking out all the way round, then I've forgotten. It makes them peculiar to this part of the Dales.
Swinnergill from Swaledale
It's a relatively easy walk back along the dale bottom to Muker. Cloud was building and there were a few spots of rain on the way.
Swaledale
Crackpot Hall can just be seen below the spoil heaps, a barn is higher up to the right. Late walkers could be in for a surprise!
Barn Conversion
They're up to something here. New roof and window frames. Update in 12 months time.
On our way home, just six miles from here in Hawes, the heavens opened and there was a torrential downpour. If the rain came this way, some folk will have got very wet!
Walkers: Karen and Me
Time taken: 4hrs 30mins over a distance of about 6 miles, includes break time at Rukins
Route: Muker to Swinner Gill and then to Keld, back on the west side of the Swale to Muker. What a wonderful place to go for a walk!
Weather and conditions: Sunny and very warm, light rain at the end.
Greetings Count: Plenty of happy walkers around today.
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Muker Tea Room is very good with seating inside and out. Rukins is owned by the same folk as have the farm and campsite. This is also very good, you're spoilt for choice, or as in our case just take refreshments at both ends.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2011 ©
Take me back to the start ....