Keld to Reeth - August 10th

Our route today took us from Frith Lodge to the village of Keld, a distance of @ a mile, where we rejoined the C2C path. We had two route options: a high route which would provide spectacular views of Swaledale Valley but would also navigate through the rusty remains of 18th and 19th century lead mines, or a low route which would meander through the valley alongside the river Swale to the village of Gunnerside before climbing steeply out of the valley. The second option is generally considered the more scenic and was the choice we made.

We had easy walking the first half of the day through grassy fields (at least one being mowed as we traversed) alongside the scenic Swale River. We stopped for lunch in Gunnerside before tackling the steepest and longest hill of the day. Our route then descended into the hamlet of Blades before again steeply climbing out of the valley and on to our destination of Reeth. All told, we walked 12.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,519 feet, primarily in that first hill climb out of Gunnerside. Not an especially easy route, but definitely a scenic one.

Making our way downhill from Frith Lodge








An idyllic spot near the river

View of Swaledale Valley


Climbing through one of the many stone
walls separating farmers' fields


Our walking path along the Swale River

View of the steep path out of the valley










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