North Gang Scar and the River Swale.
Start. Muker.
Route. Muker - Kisden - North Gang Scar - Birk Hill - East Gill - West Dodd - Crackpot Hall - Swinner Gill - Lownathwaite - Botcher Gill Gate - Gunnerside - Gunnerside New Bridge - Marble Scar - Ivelet - Ivelet Bridge - Rampsholme Bridge - Muker.
Notes. A friend of mine had been over Kisdon Hill the other weekend, fueled by his photographs and tales of how exciting it was coupled with the fact I'd never been there I started to plan today's walk. It's quite a drive from Kendal to Muker so it made sense to extend what would of been a rather short walk, after descending Kisdon Hill I would ascend Swinner Gill to cross the moors on a track that traverses above Gunnerside Gill, I would descend to Gunnerside village to follow the banks of the River Swale back to Muker.
I set off early, too early, I drove into a grey Yorkshire, it was raining as I crossed the Buttertubs Pass, the hills were shrouded in mist, on reaching Muker the first slashes of blue were appearing across the western horizon, a promise of better weather to come. I parked in Muker my route took me up the slopes of Kisdon Hill to join the Pennine Way on the long traverse across North Gang Scar, my descent saw me reach the River Swale above Kisdon Force, a footbridge spans the river here. I crossed to ascend east passing East Gill Force before reaching an old tractor marking a path junction, beats a cairn, I follow the left fork ascending past Crackpot Hall followed by the ascent through Swinner Gill onto the moors. Following a landrover track east, before swinging south above the Lownathwaite Lead Mine I was soon looking down on Gunnerside Gill, a gill I've walked up and down many times, the track swung west above Gunnerside village, I carried on down the hill to enter the village. Continuing my journey west along the banks of the delightful River Swale I reached the perfect arch of Ivelet Bridge, on a calm day the bridge and it's reflection make a perfect circle, onward to reach and cross Ramps Holme Bridge followed by a short walk through the fields back to Muker.
Ascending Kisdon Hill looking back over Swaledale.
Views to Robert's Seat above Keld.
After crossing the River Swale my route took me past the impressive fall of East Gill Force.
With better weather on the horizon I take the left hand path as I pass the remains of this old tractor, it beats the usual cairn.
The remains of Crackpot Hall ( Hall of the Crows) a seventeenth century farm house. later used as a hunting lodge, sadly abandoned due to subsidence caused by the many mine workings in the area.
Above Crackpot Hall with views across Swaledale, Kisdon Hill rises to the right.
On a wonderful path under the cliffs of Buzzard Scar above Crackpot Hall stunning views to High Seat above Mallerstang.
Looking to Kisdon Hill from the confines of Swinner Gill.
Exploring the remains of Swinner Gill Smelt Mill.
Looking over Moss Dam, the Butter Tubs Pass flanked by Great Shunner Fell and Lovely Seat.
Heading south I passed a row of Grouse Butts.
A typical Swaledale scene, barns and a patchwork of fields cling to the hill side.
Views up Gunnerside Gill.
Across Swaledale Blea Barf leading to West Bolton Moor
Blea Barf as seen over the roof tops of Gunnerside.
Striding out through Swaledale, barns and dry stone walls a quintessential part of the Dales landscape.
A perfect arch, built in 1695 Ivelet Bridge, take care it is reported to be haunted by a headless dog, don't try to take it for a walk you'll never get it's collar to stay on.
On the banks of the River Swale looking to Kisdon Scar
Kisdon Hill rising above Swaledale.
En route to Ramps Holme Bridge through the wonderful green fields of Swaledale.
Muker journeys end.