Reeth to Healaugh by the Swale

Fremington Edge and Langthwaite from Reeth

Eight miles and about four and a half hours, climbing the steep scree-strewn nose of Fremington Edge for the finest view in Swaledale, then along the moor top to drop into Arkengarthdale at Langthwaite and back over Calver Hill; the top is peaty and the climb is rough, loose and unrelenting. Start on Reeth Green, with free parking on the cobbles and the 30 bus from Richmond. This is grouse moor as well as sheep ground, so the dog stays on the lead and particularly between March and July when ground-nesting birds are on the heather - keepers here are not tolerant of loose dogs and they are within their rights; old chert workings and open shafts line the Edge a few feet from the path, there is no water between Reeth and Langthwaite, and the wall crossings on the descent include a ladder stile that a large dog cannot climb.