Swaledale: Keld, Thwaite, Muker & Gunnerside Walking Map

Walking in the area of Keld, Thwaite, Muker, and Gunnerside offers some of the most evocative landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a designated National Landscape known for its wild beauty and traditional stone villages. This part of Swaledale is crisscrossed by celebrated routes such as the Coast to Coast Path (England’s newest National Trail), Pennine Way (England’s oldest National Trail), and Swale Trail—a multi-use path ideal for families and gentle walkers. The area features a rich tapestry of hill walks and Gunnerside Gill, where disused lead mine remains offer a glimpse into Swaledale's industrial past.

River walks alongside the River Swale are tranquil and deeply scenic, lined with wildflower meadows in summer and dramatic waterfalls such as Kisdon Force near Keld. In terms of heritage, the Swaledale barns and drystone walls are iconic features of the cultural landscape. The remnants of the Swaledale Lead Mining Industry, including old smelt mills and tracks, act as open-air heritage sites. Historic packhorse bridges dot the valleys, adding charm and context to the walking experience in this unspoiled corner of the Yorkshire Dales.