Langthwaite - Hurst - Fremington Edge - Langthwaite

Alan Anderson

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Langthwaite - Washfold - Hurst - Fremington Edge - Langthwaite

Langthwaite is the largest settlement in the eight-mile-long Arkengarthdale, a side valley off the larger Swaledale. This most northerly of the Yorkshire Dales takes its name from the Arkle Beck that runs the length of the valley and gushes into the River Swale near Reeth. The dale was extensively worked for lead in the 18th and 19th Centuries and as a result bears many scars; nature however, is now slowly returning the dale to its former glory. The unspoilt Langthwaite, along with the village pub the Red Lion, has featured in a variety of films and TV productions, the most famous being the TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small', based on the exploits of the fictional vet James Herriot. The entrance to the village across the narrow bridge is instantly recognizable as the opening shot at the start of many of the episodes.

The first mile of the walk is almost all uphill as it rises from Langthwaite through a wood and up the very steep, grassy side of an escarpment, to emerge onto a relatively flat moor. Once up on the fell the next four miles are very easy going on a wide, stony track with great panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The track eventually leaves the moorland to intersect a minor surfaced road that meanders through a very serene and quiet valley. The route then re-enters moorland and rises very gradually, to emerge onto Fremington Edge with awe-inspiring views looking down into Arkengarthdale and Swaledale. A magical walk follows that hugs the edge of the high escarpment for a mile before finally and steeply descending off the moor through fields, an attractive gill and a glorious wood for the final lap along a charming riverside path back to Langthwaite.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Pub, River, Wildlife, Woodland

8/5/2013 - Judy White

My partner and I did this walk on a fine day at the end of July and thought it was excellent. It goes through a variety of different scenery which is typical of the northern Dales and has some wonderful views. The uphill slog at the start was well worth the effort! The walk instructions could not be better and it was a great introduction to an area of the Dales which is not well-frequented by walkers in spite of being so close to Reeth and other popular villages.

7/31/2012 - Nigel Corner

One difficult stile and lots of Grouse (and some sheep) with signs requesting dogs be kept on a lead.

7/31/2012 - Nigel Corner

This proved to be a wonderful walk with woods, moors, rivers and fantastic views. I thought some of the tracks were not shown on my OS map but the directions were spot on! Probably not so good in bad weather. A really enjoyable walk - and it began and ended at a Pub!