Maiden Castle & Harkerside from Reeth - 10 miles

The official route is actually 8 miles but, due to a (long-term) ‘temporary’ diversion, its more like ten miles. There are a couple of climbs on this walk, together with some fabulous Swaledale scenery.

We start from the delightful Dales village of Reeth with its large village green, winding our way out of the village and through a succession of meadows before dropping down to the swing bridge over the river Swale. A lovely riverside walk follows before we start a significant climb away from the river and up to the hill fort of Maiden Castle. The path levels out as we cross over bracken moorland with indistinct paths before another pull up to the flat summit of Harker Hill. A good, solid moorland path runs for some time before a fairly gentle descent down on through to the village of Grinton. Then we pick up the river Swale again back to the swing bridge from where we retrace the outward leg.

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £3. No dogs please. Bring packed lunch/drink/snacks with you.

Facilities: parking is on the village green, initially on the cobbled area but you can park on the grass as an alternative, fee by way of donation and there are toilets close by for a fee!

RECCE NOTES: this is a popular location, as I was once again reminded on my weekday recce, so arrive in good time. You’ll be able to purchase refreshments on arrival, if you so wish. Despite the recce being done on a pleasant, sunny day, it was blowy throughout a significant section of the moorland section of walking. We have to cross Grinton Gill, a rocky stream, which was ‘bone dry’ at the time of the recce. We will be starting the walk at 10.30 but, given the above notes, you are advised to aim for 10.15 to secure parking.

After-walk refreshments: a variety of pub & café options as well as an ice-cream parlour (Brymor) and the general store sells Ryeburn of Helmsleys so my Top 2 Dales ice-cream outlets in one place! We’ll see what people’s preferences are on the day and which places are the busiest.

Meeting point: meet in front of the Kings Arms Hotel that looks out onto the village green. Postcode is DL11 6SY.

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group does not have insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are required to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.