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Swaledale
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Region: Northern Dales
Area: The Dales
County: North Yorkshire
Useful Links:
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The Yorkshire Dales National Park Tourist Information


Full Description: Swaledale is one of the northern remote dales, of the Yorkshire Dales. It runs from west to east to the town of Richmond. Villages in Swaledale include Reeth, Low Row, Grinton, Gunnerside, Thwaite, Keld and Muker. It is not far from the Pennine Way, and the nearest market town is Hawes only 7 miles away to the South, Richmond and Leyburn lay to the East.

Swaledale is well known for its spectacular wildflower meadows which in June and early July are a blaze with colour. It provides an ideal spot for those wishing to get away from every day pressures and has many places to explore; there are also endless opportunities for all different kinds of walks.

In Upper Swaledale and Arkengarthdale you will find nature at its best. Here, the high mountains which head the valley have names such as Blea Barf and Rogan’s Seat which echo the Vikings that settled in the area 1,000 years ago.

Moor land streams flow down the valley sides into lush green pastures. England’s fastest flowing river, The River Swale winds its way through a maze of fields which are lined with stone walls and dotted with stone barns.

This area of the Dales has been shaped by the generations of people that have lived here over the years; they have left behind a legacy of history and legend. The local dialect and village place names still reflect the language of the Viking. The Romans were the start of the lead mining in the hills. There are remains of ancient churches, old-fashioned country pubs and monastic buildings. The people who live and work in the dales add character to the valleys.

The Swaledale Festival has taken place annually for the last five years. Each year the festival has explored a series of music driven themes these include brass, choral, string and last year music from around the world. The theme for 2006 is The Artist in his Time, Place and Environment and will include a cycle of the Shostakovich String Quartets to celebrate composer’s centenary. Many tremendous artists will play and will be supported by an exciting range of visual arts and literature; guided walks will also take place. For further information click Swaledale Festival

Swaledale is also famous for its cheese. Mystery surrounds the origin of Swaledale Cheese but many belief it was first made in local abbeys in the 11th Century, by Cistercian monks from Normandy. It wasn’t until the 17th Century that cow’s milk was used in the production of the cheese until then goats milk or sheep’s milk was used. Local farmers still have the skills of the traditional cheese makers and the recipes have been handed down by generations.

Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team is a registered charity, the team is made up from volunteers who provide the service of a search and rescue for Swaledale and Wensleydale areas of North Yorkshire. They are on call 24 hours a day, every day, all year and the police call them out when they need there support. SMRT carry out searches in mountain and cave rescues of people and animals in bad weather, night and day.

Reeth the capital of Swaledale is set in unspoiled and varied landscapes, and is located where Swaledale meets the Arkengarthdale. Reeth is a beautiful village with an abundance of shops, including a post office, sweet shop and bakers. There are also inns, cafes, craft shops, newsagents, art & craft shops and hotels which are all centred around the village green. Reeth is a good starting point for walks, and offers a good place for a rest and a cup of tea or a pint in the evening. A market also takes place weekly on a Friday on the village green.

Muker is a small dales village and is a popular walking base. It has a village shop and post office as well as craft shops, café and pub.





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