Loop - Gunnerside, Mining Historical Loop, Swaledale - 10mi/16km

Join us in the Yorkshire Dales exploring the ruins of various mining buildings. Swaledale is stunningly beautiful during Springtime.
Start Time: 9:45am
Miles/Kilometres: 10mi/16km (Approx)
Total ascent: 500m (Approx)
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated length of time: 4-5 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes but lots of moorland so will need to be on a lead. Public Transport: Not from West Yorkshire. Happy to give people a lift from Halifax, Keighley, Skipton or somewhere inbetween. I will be driving through Wharfedale and Wensleydale to get there.
Parking: Small car park in the village - please car share. Otherwise if full then will have to park where possible on the roadside.
Payment: £1 - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Swaledale" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside the Kings Head pub, there are public toilets here if needed (if I recall correctly you need coins to use them unless someone holds the door for you).

We start by walking out of the village following Gunnerside Beck through woodland into a valley. The path steadily ascends for 3mi/4.8km as we head up the picturesque valley, passing various ruins including miners homes until we reach the ruins of Blackethwaite Smeltmill.

Once done exploring we take short but steep ascent up onto the moorland following the Herriot Way and Coast to Coast routes. We cross over the moors along dirt roads, passing more signs of previous mining activity. We then descend down into the valley below, and follow the dirt road to the Old Gang Smelting Mills (pictured). Will aim to have lunch here.

Once finished exploring these ruins. The walk ends by continuing along to Surrender Bridge and then ascending up the road here for a short while until we can take a dirt road around the edge of the hill to the hamlet, Blades. We then follow the country road along the hillside, it turns into a dirt road which we follow and then various footpaths back to Gunnerside. We can then enjoy a drink in the pub (maybe food too, I can't recall if they do food or not, I don't think they do but could be wrong).

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.

Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.

All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.

Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.

We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.