Around Thwaite

Around Thwaite

If you're heading further up Swaledale towards Keld and all the waterfalls around there, you will pass through the small village of Thwaite. 

There are a few waterfalls along Thwaite beck which are worth a visit and quite easy to get to. 

It is easier to park in the Lay-by just before you enter the village as parking in the village is limited.

For No's 1 & 3, just follow the pathways, 
No' 2 can be accessed between the houses, but this is private property so please ask permission!

Waterfall No' 3

Waterfall No'2

Waterfall No' 1

Low Row - Laykin ( Hatters Sike ) Falls & Low Row Houses

Low Row Falls - Laykin ( Hatters Sike ) 

& Low Row Houses

These falls are actually un-named, but thought they were worth a mention.
Anyone venturing up Swaledale will pass by these without knowing they were there. 

Heading west from Reeth on the B6270, you will pass through the hamlets of Healaugh and Feethams. 
As you approach Low Row, look out for a triple garage on the right hand side (just past Hazel Brow) 
There is room to park a car at the side of these garages.

A walk of approx 300m up this track will bring you to "Laykin Falls"
Although un-named on the O/S Maps they lie on Hatters Sike, but I have given the name "Laykin" to them as my friend Les Martin (who pointed them out to me) found them whilst searching the web and came across a web page advertising Laykin Cottage Holiday. 

There are 3 main falls one is easily reached just the the side of the road by the ford, and another 2 lower down, which can be accessed by a short scramble.

Main Falls on the right of the Ford

After heading back to the main road, continue up Swaledale then take the next left turn towards Crackpot (1 mile). 

Cross Isles Bridge and take the next left. 

Follow this lane to the end, there is room to park at the side of the Falls (providing it's not in use. 

Low Row House falls

While you are there, don't forget to drop in on Crackpot Falls

Stonesdale Beck

Stonesdale Beck

Venture up to the top of Swaledale and you're bound to find one of the many waterfalls in that area. 

Continue up towards Tan Hill (and its famous Inn!), and you will pass these delightful, not overly large falls at the side of the the road. 

The falls are approximately 2.5 miles from Keld. 

Look out for the large Green container on the right hand side as the road crosses the beck and park beside it. 

The first of the falls are here. 

Venture down stream for another 200m and you come across the second one preceded by some smaller drops. 

"Look out for the Green Container!"

"Smaller Drops"

Swinner Gill

Swinner Gill

Another set of Falls close to Keld in upper Swaledale. 

There are 

several Falls are on Swinner Gill, but the easiest are at the bottom just past Crackpot Hall. 

Park in Keld - and don't forget the "Honesty Box"! - £2 all day is great value. 

The first part of the journey is just over a mile and can take between 25 and 45 mins depending on your fitness levels. For the most it is reasonably flat apart from the drop down to East Gill Force and back up again. 

Of course its worth stopping here and including the falls in your trip.

Once you have reached Crackpot Hall spend time to taking in the view down Swaledale to Muker and explore the ruins of the "Hall" itself.

View down to Muker

Crackpot Hall

Now you have a choice, Upper or Lower. I chose the upper one first, intending on doing a loop around and back down the other side to the lower falls.

However, on reaching the upper falls (which were dry except the ones coming from East Grain) I discovered that parts of the path had been washed away and were quite boggy.

Having the dog with me I didn't risk going any further so came back down the same route.

Landslip

And another!

Dry!

East Grain

Having returned to Crackpot Hall, I then continued on down to the lower falls

Old Lead Smelting Mill

Oxnop Gill Falls

Oxnop Gill Falls

I came across these falls quite by accident whilst looking for some others in this vicinity. 

In Swaledale, just as the B6270 crosses Oxnop beck between Gunnerside & Muker, by the turn off to Ivelet, these falls tumble down under the road. Take the turning to Ivelet and park by the bridge. The falls can be accessed either side of the main road.

Orgate Force

Orgate Force

Take the Northern route out of Richmond up Swaledale (Hurgill Road then Clapgate Bank). 

After approx 5.5 Miles you will come to the village of Marske. 

There is room to park just after the road crosses Marske Beck. 

Take the single track road (Skelton Lane) to the end- approx 1.2 miles, then turn right. Walk down the bridleway until you come to the bridge. 

The Falls are upstream on your left. 

Although it is possible to drive up Skelton Lane, the bridleway at the end is surrounded by "No Parking" notices and the local farmer is none too happy with visitors (or wasn't when I was there!). The lane is too narrow to park on itself. 

Alternatively, follow the marked footpath alongside Marske Beck upstream, (Slightly longer) but be warned, it's boggy in places. 

After approx 450 yds there is a small bridge and just beyond some small falls, but access is difficult.

Skelton Lane route

Alternate route

Rainby Force

Rainby Force

Another one of the many falls on the River Swale around Keld. Slightly lesser known, as its hidden away behind Park House, , "A luxury Bunkbarn in Keld, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales". (See their websites "Keld Bunk Barn" and "Swaledale Yurts" )

Park at the entrance to the campsite and follow the drive to the House. You will see a sign on the gate that says "Please Ring the Bell". Its only courtesy to let them know you are there. Having spoken to the owner, Michelle, she assures me that they don't have a problem with photographers visiting the falls. Venture through the second gate and down to the falls via the purpose built steps which they have recently installed - but be careful at the bottom!

"Please Ring the Bell!"

Purpose Built Steps