Local Information

Swaledale and Arkengarthdale are famous for their traditional hay meadows dominated by drystone walls and field barns, with windswept heather moorland beyond. Charming villages nestle by the river close to the valley bottom. Throughout the area there are many opportunities for visitors to enjoy its special qualities.

The Two Dales widely considered to be one of the most picturesque landscapes in England, if not in Europe. The result of a rare combination of geology, associated land-use, heritage and ecology.

The landscape of the Two Dales, which we recognise today, has been produced as a result of traditional farming practices and lead mining. Over the centuries, the gradual enclosure of all but the uppermost slopes of the dales created the characteristic mosaic of dry-stone walled compartments and stone field barns. After farming the lead mining industry has had the greatest man-made impact upon the landscape of the dale. Spoil heaps from lead mining and processing and the scars of open workings are responsible for much of the barren and bleak parts of the dale especially on the moorland. Many former mining tracks are now public rights of way.

The stone-built villages of these two dales each have their own charm, and each one makes an excellent starting place for both high and low level walks suitable for most abilities.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park boasts some of the finest walking country in northern England and many of the 8.3 million visitors to the National Park make use of the 2100 km of footpaths and bridleways.There is a network of over 450 km of public rights of way in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, which includes two long distance routes; the Pennine Way (the first and best known National Trail, established in 1965) and the Coast to Coast Walk

The public rights of way provide the opportunity for people to explore some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in the Dales, ranging from open heather moorland, wooded valley sides and the flower-rich hay meadows of the valley bottoms, whether on horseback, cycling, walking, or fishing. Visit in June and you will see these special fields at their best, filled to the brim with ox-eye daisies, cranes-bills and even orchids.

There is an abundance of wildlife associated with this area, from the blanket bog and open moorland, to woodlands, hay meadows and wetland. This wealth of wildlife has been recognised through the many national and international designations which recognise the importance of the various different areas and habitat types across the Dales for futher information click here.

Birds characteristic of the river environment include Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher and Goosander. Black Grouse and signs of the much rarer Otter can also be seen if you are very lucky, the hay meadows associated with this part of the northern Pennines are easily visible to everyone and provide a spectacle throughout the summer.

As with all the Dales, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale have been shaped by the generations of people who have lived and worked there. The buildings and historical features they have left behind, both in the villages and wider countryside, are of national and international significance such as the evidence of lead mining and the unusual farming system with its pattern of dispersed barns and stone walled meadows and pasture.

The field barns characteristic of Swaledale were used for housing cattle over winter up until the Second World War when changes in farming practices began to take place. Combined, these features contribute greatly to the overall character of the dales, click here for further information.

The area has much to offer the visitor - Hazel Brow Farm, in nearby Low Row, provides the opportunity to visit a working farm, and the area is particularly well known for its traditional and distinctive crafts. The Bridge Inn is well located for a variety of long and short circular walks, and for visiting the various attractions in the local area. For a full listing of what's available in the area visit the Upper Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Business Association website.

The area is popular for a variety of activities including walking, cycling, caving, canoeing. fishing, horse riding. We are able to arrange the hire of mountain bikes.

An ideal way to tour the area can be found at www.innway.co.uk Mark Reid's site featuring his excellent walks ..all with good pubs along the way.