Muker, Kisdon Hill and the Keld Waterfalls
Walk 2 - Muker -Kisdon Hill and the Keld Waterfalls - Keld 5 or 6 miles circular (a family walk- recommended). Starting from Muker there are two options one taking a lower level circuit of Kisdon Hill and the passing over Kisdon Hill itself. Either park in the pay and display carpark in Muker or alternatively arrive by bus. The Northern Dalesman bus service runs on summer Sundays and bank holidays from Hawes and the Little White Bus provides a service Monday to Sat from Reeth. Back to Swaledale
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Looking into Swaledale from Kisdon Hill
Option 1: Kisdon Hill, Keld and the Swale: From Muker car park walk up through the village (away from main road) between the cottages to reach a minor access road. Passing through a gate the track winds its way up Kisdon Hill. After a few twists and turns the Pennine Way is passed. However carry straight on up the hill with a wall on the left. Pass through a gate and bear diagonally left to the top of the hill. This is now a pleasant grassy path and stays on the level passing through another two gates before joining the access track to several hillside cottages. The track now descends steeply down to reach the Thwaite-Keld road. Turn right and walk along the road for 1/4 mile. If want to visit Wainwath force continue along the road for a further 1/4 mile passing the turn off for Tan Hill. Just beyond the road junction is a turn off for Wainwath Force. Retrace steps along the road and turn left into Keld village.
- Wainwaith Force
There is a useful tea shop located in the farm in the centre of Keld or if that is shut there is a self service tea room in the village reading room. Access to Currack Force and Catrake Force is through the farmyard and campsite. Leaving Keld near the chapel there is an enclosed path running down towards the Swale. To visit East Gill Force cross the footbridge across the Swale and the waterfall will be seen as the track climbs up the hill. Retrace steps towards Keld however at the top of the hill turn left and take the path towards Muker which circumnavigates a rocky outcrop in the Swale gorge.
Note: a decision can be made to take in Kisdon Force waterfall - If so, turn left at the Kisdon Force signpost from the Muker path and follow the path around the rocky outcrop. This is not recommended for very young children as the going is rough and a bit of a scramble at times. On reaching above the waterfall do not make an immediate descent but shortly after passing there is a more easily graded path. The path then rejoins the main footpath in a short distance to continue to Muker
At the signpost for the Pennine Way bear left. The path now drops down through woodland to the meadows alongside the river with views into Swinner Gill. Continue across the meadows and several stiles. With Muker almost in sight continue to almost reach Rampsholme Bridge. However turn right to pass through a narrow stile and follow the flagged path across several meadows to reach the back of Muker. Pass through a gate and passing the cottages to reach the main road and the Farmers Arms and village cafe
Option 2: Thwaite, Keld and the Swale: Again from Muker car park walk to the rear of the up past the village institute and immediately bear left to the rear of the pub. passing through a gate and then across six fields. On approach to Usha Gap camp site the path veers left through the camp site to reach the from of the farm. Walk along the road for a very short while and then at the bridge regain the foot path crossing four fields. The path then follows Straw beck before crossing a stone foot bridge. Now make a straight line towards Thwaite. There is an option to visit the village and the excellent Kearton tea rooms. Otherwise turn right just before the village and follow a well defined path towards Keld through several stiles. This undulates in places but ascends to meet the minor road to Keld at Angram. Now walk along the road for a short while and just before the hamlet the path veers off right at a sign post. Follow the path through a succession of stiles. After a while the path bears left and through a stile in to reach the road again. This is easy to miss. Take the road towards Keld and follow the instructions as above
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| Kisdon Force | The path to Keld |
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| Muker from Kisdon Hill | Currack Force |
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| Farmers Arms Muker | The path down Swaledale towards Muker |
Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should consult the relevant OS map.
This page was last updated on 23-Apr-2020
©John Carey 2009