Swaledale is one of the most beautiful dales in England and there are walks in the area to suit all tastes. Choose a gentle stroll through meadows by the river or a strenuous walk over the hilltops to see the spectacular views up and down the dale. Learn more about Swaledale, its villages and people, activities and events on the Welcome to Swaledale and Arkengarthdale website.
For people with mobility issues or those who are walking with young children take a look at Access for All in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
The area has many attractions for guests of the Kearton Country Hotel if they want to venture further afield. Situated at the very heart of the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of Cumbria and the Lake District, there is an abundance of things to do and places to visit, some of which are listed below.
Muker Show – www.mukershow.co.uk
Muker Show is a small and friendly traditional agriculture and horticultural show blessed with an enviable location – the meadows in Muker village – with stunning views up and down the dale. The show is always held on the first Wednesday of September.
Nearby Market Towns
Famous North Yorkshire market towns like Richmond, home of the Green Howards Regiment, Reeth and its Swaledale Folk Museum, Sedburgh with its famous school; Masham, home to both the Black Sheep & Theakstons Breweries and Hawes, home of the world famous Wensleydale Creamery and The Rope Makers are all within a short drive of Swaledale and Kearton Country Hotel.
Richmond
The market town of Richmond has grown around a Norman Castle which still dominates the town today. With a variety of shops, many pubs, hotels and restaurants, and surrounded by Richmond is well worth a visit.
Reeth
Reeth is situated in Swaledale and at the end of Arkengarthdale where the two dales meet. Many years ago it was a centre for hand-knitting and the local lead industry was controlled from here, but it was always a market town for the local farming community.
Hawes
The thriving market town of Hawes is home to Wensleydale Cheese and the Dales Countryside Museum. Market day is Tuesday when everyone enjoys the lively atmosphere. There are several craft workshops, antique shops, hotels, pubs, restaurant and cafés which, together with local tradesmen, will cater to your every need.
Leyburn
Overlooking the peaceful and tranquil scenery of Wensleydale, Leyburn is renowned as a town for all seasons offering something for visitors throughout the year. Market day is Friday and on the fourth Saturday of every month the Farmers Market comes to town proferring all host of locally grown and produced foods and crafts.
Castles
If exploring castles, stately homes and great buildings is your passion then the surrounding area is veritable haven for you – Ripley Castle, Castle Bolton, Leyburn Castle, Barnard Castle with the Bowes Museum, Middleham Castle and the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, all are within easy reach of Kearton Country Hotel Swaledale.
Railway Enthusiasts
For railway enthusiasts – the famous Settle – Carlisle Railway line is not far away with its Ribblehead Viaduct and the stations and villages of Dent and Garsdale.
Great Yorkshire Gardens
If your interest is Great Yorkshire Gardens, then nearby Constable Burton Hall and Gardens is an extensive and romantic garden surrounded by superb 18th Century Parkland , fine trees and woodland walks that combine well with an interesting collection of alpines and extensive shrubs and roses. Some distance further is Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Woodland Garden & Falconry Centre.
Further Afield
If you fancy something a little different and further away, within thirty minutes drive you can experience the full beauty and grandeur of the Lake District home of Wordsworth and his golden daffodils and of course the Beatrice Potter (and Peter Rabbit) home and museum can be explored in Windermere. In the opposite direction towards the east coast, the delights of Heartbeat Country can be experienced.