AREA DETAILS
Swaledale, the most northerly of the Yorkshire Dales, is a narrow dale and (in our eyes) the most picturesque. Reeth at the junction of the River Swale and the Arkle Beck, is considered to be the capital of the Dale. It is an attractive village built on a slope around a large open green. It has a population of 724 but much increased in the holiday season. The village has all you need.. There is a grocery shop, post office, two bakeries, gift and craft shops. A variety of food is offered at the three pubs, two hotels and various cafes. The Ice Cream Parlour which is a local meeting place sells Brymore Ice Cream
Most Fridays there is a small market held on the green selling vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and more. Also on Fridays there is usually a tea-time visit by the fish and chip van. Very useful for locals and for visitors who have just arrived.
There is one chapel in the village, a church at Grinton and a catholic church in Richmond. Mid week meetings as well as Sunday services are held.
On Sundays there is often a Local Brass band playing on the green, usually Reeth's own band. The end of August is Reeth Agricultural show with Swaledale festival in May/June
The area is steeped in history. Famous for lead mining there were 1460 people living in Reeth at that time. The moors are full of old mine buildings. One that is preserved is by Cogden Beck, Grinton. The chimney was built up the hillside rather than vertical. The lime kilns can be seen and the mill is safe to venture in. The museum in Reeth, open during the summer months is well worth a visit.
The Yorkshire Dales Information Centre can be found in Hudson House which is a local resource centre . Attached to it is the Community garden, worth a visit
The Area is famous for its outstanding beauty. This can be explored by car, bus, on foot or by cycling . Richmond, Leyburn and Barnard Castle are all approximately eleven miles away and well worth a visit. There are short easy walks and long hard ones. There is no need to take the car out on the road. Always plenty to do and see locally.
A bus service does run up and down the Dale but check out the times CLICK HERE
This same link also give you access to much more information
Mountain bikes may be hired at the Bike Centre at Fremington (also good food)