Alpine Cottage ref: 219006

About the local area

Swaledale runs west to east to the town of Richmond. Villages and hamlets in Swaledale include Reeth, Grinton, Low Row, Gunnerside, Muker, Thwaite and Keld.

Arkengarthdale lies to the north and is one of the Yorkshire Dales most remote and sparsely populated dales; ideal for the ultimate ‘away from it all’ holiday.

From Thwaite and near the head of the dale the famous Buttertubs Pass leads up over the moors and down into Wensleydale. Another road from Keld leads north over the moors to Tan Hill - well known as the site of the highest public house in England.

Centred on a vast cobbled market place, Richmond is the largest town in the dale. Set high up, the Castle dominates the Richmond skyline and views from the top of the massive keep look between the folding hills of Swaledale to the west and the vast acres of the Vale of York to the east and south. Richmond has an abundance of places to explore and volunteer guides will be happy to share Richmond's secrets on a Wednesday or Sunday afternoon during the summer. Museums describe the history of the Green Howards Regiment and its association with the town.

Reeth, situated on the lower slopes of Calver Hill, above the confluence of Arkle Beck with the Swale, was once the centre of an important lead mining industry and is still an area of hill farming.

More recently, the village has become a very popular tourist destination for day visitors, walkers and those wanting to stay longer. Set around a large village green, it has a variety of craft shops and workshops, the Swaledale Folk Museum and a wide range of places to stay, from bed and breakfast accommodation to pubs and hotels. The Coast To Coast walk, made famous by Alfred Wainwright, goes through Reeth and many other walkers use the village as a base to explore the different aspects of Swaledale. A market is held on Fridays and an agricultural show on the last Wednesday in August.

Things to do nearby