It feels like we’ve spent a lot of time exploring further afield over the last few months, so it was great to get back out in Swaledale after a bit of a break. After an extremely hot week the weekend cooled off with a fair bit of wind – we didn’t let this put us off, as there was no rain forecast, so we decided to get some more miles under our belt while the sun was shining!
There are so many footpaths and bridleways in Swaledale that we’re still finding new walks all the time. This time, we followed a route Sam found on the OS Maps app, which takes you on an 8.5 mile amble along Harkerside Moor, returning to the start via Apedale. Parking is free in a large roadside parking area and the walk is great if you’re wanting a longer route but without having to commit to dragging yourself up hill and down dale as it’s relatively flat!
The route mostly follows good tracks which are level and surfaced, with a short tramp through heather to cross the moor around the half way point. The lack of effort required by no means compromises the views on offer: on your way out you can enjoy an impressive panorama looking across to Low Row, Healaugh, Calver Hill and Surrender Bridge, while the return through Apedale feels a little greener and wilder than most moorland valleys.
Dog friendly rating – 2.5/5. This walk has no stiles and very little road walking, so automatically gets a few bonus points! However, there is very little water and no shade, so make sure to carry some extra for your dog – even with a lot of wind and relatively cool temperatures, ours still polished off a fair bit of water.
The land here is access land with a dog restriction, but you’re still allowed to walk your dog here as long as you stick to public rights of way. There were LOTS of ground nesting birds knocking around so ours were kept on short fixed leads the whole time – we still needed to watch out for kamikaze grouse chicks literally flying into the dogs faces though! Luckily we managed to get around without any avian casualties but we did get back to the car with a thoroughly hyper spaniel!
If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog today, make sure you subscribe below:
