Muker to Keld Walk: A Stunning 6-Mile Trek Through Swaledale

Discover the Scenic Muker to Keld Walk in the Heart of the Yorkshire Dales

Your Muker to Keld walk begins in the quaint village of Muker, nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Start by parking at the pay-and-display car park just off the B6270 on the south-east side of the village. The car park entrance is conveniently located next to the road bridge over Straw Beck, with plenty of parking spaces available. Once you’re ready, leave the car park and turn left to cross the bridge. Follow the road as it bends to the left, leading you towards the village. Shortly after passing the Muker Literary Institute, turn right and walk up the short bank into the village.

Next, bear left around the back of the central group of buildings. Continue by turning left again, following the signposted route towards Keld. The Muker to Keld walk then takes you onto a stone track that climbs steeply in a north-west direction towards Kisdon. As you ascend, the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside. Near the top of the hill, look for a farm on your right. Here, the path splits—take the right-hand path to join the Pennine Way, which guides you north towards Keld.

This section of the Muker to Keld walk follows an elevated path along North Gang Scar, offering breathtaking views into the valley on your right. As the trail begins to veer north-west, you’ll enter the tranquil Rukin Wood. The path then gradually descends as you approach Keld. On your way, you have the option to take a short detour to Kisdon Force, a striking waterfall. However, be aware that the path down to the falls can be steep and muddy, and you’ll need to ascend again to rejoin the main route.

Sticking to the main trail, you’ll soon arrive in the picturesque village of Keld, having covered approximately three miles. Take time to explore Keld’s charming surroundings. Afterward, retrace your steps briefly before turning left to descend towards the footbridge over the River Swale. Cross the bridge, and once you reach the top of the bank on the other side, turn right to follow the stone track south-east. After about a mile, you’ll arrive at a footbridge over Swinner Gill.

Once you’ve crossed Swinner Gill, continue south along a well-maintained trail that meanders through the valley. This part of the Muker to Keld walk follows the eastern side of the River Swale, offering delightful views and a peaceful hiking experience. After walking for just over one and a quarter miles, you’ll come across Ramps Holme Bridge. Cross this bridge to return to the river’s western side.

From here, briefly follow the river upstream before turning left onto a meadowland footpath. This final stretch of your Muker to Keld walk will guide you back to Muker, completing a scenic loop of just over 6 miles (10 kilometres). This wonderful trek through the beautiful Swaledale region of the Yorkshire Dales offers varied terrain and breathtaking views. It’s sure to be a hike you’ll remember and cherish.

Muker to Keld Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics

Recommended Ordnance Survey Map

The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Area, reference OS Explorer OL30, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.

Discover Keld on Your Muker to Keld Walk

Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the small village of Keld offers more than just stunning views and charming countryside. For those embarking on the Muker to Keld walk, the village holds a wealth of history and unique attractions that are well worth exploring.

The Origins of Keld

The name Keld comes from the Norse word ‘Kelda’, meaning a spring, reflecting the village’s Viking roots. Historically, Keld was known as Appletre Kelde, which translates to ‘the spring near the apple trees’. In 2010, this heritage was celebrated by planting apple trees in the village’s Well-being Garden. Today, as you stroll along the Muker to Keld walk, you can appreciate the tranquillity and natural beauty that have shaped this area for centuries.

Keld’s Changing Economy

For much of its history, Keld’s economy was rooted in hill farming, with Swaledale sheep grazing the surrounding moors. However, during the 20th century, the number of people working the land declined due to mechanisation and the pull of urban areas. In recent years, the village has embraced the visitor economy. Local farmers have diversified by offering bed and breakfast accommodations, tea shops, and camping sites, ensuring that modern-day conveniences are available to walkers and visitors alike.

Exploring the History of Keld United Reformed Church

A key landmark in Keld is the United Reformed Church, with a history stretching back over 450 years. The current building dates from 1860 and replaced an earlier chapel founded by Reverend Edward Stillman in 1789. The church is part of the Keld Resource Centre, a local charity dedicated to restoring and repurposing historic buildings in the village. Visitors can explore the church, which remains open for worship, and learn about its significant role in the village’s spiritual and community life.

Reflecting on Well-being in the Keld Well-being Garden

Adjacent to the church is the Keld Well-being Garden, created in 2010 as a peaceful retreat for contemplation. This garden is a highlight for those on the Muker to Keld walk, offering a serene space to reflect on well-being amidst the stunning natural landscape of Upper Swaledale. The garden, which is part of the Keld Resource Centre’s broader efforts, encourages visitors to connect with nature and consider their mental and physical health in this unique setting.

Keld Public Hall & Reading Room: A Hub of Community Life

No visit to Keld would be complete without stopping by Keld Public Hall and Reading Room. Built in 1926, the hall remains a vital part of village life, hosting community events and activities. Walkers on the Muker to Keld route will appreciate the self-service café inside the hall, which provides a warm and welcoming spot to rest. Run by local volunteers, this café is open out of season and embodies the village’s strong community spirit.

Final Thoughts on Keld and Your Muker to Keld Walk

The Muker to Keld walk is not just a journey through the breathtaking landscape of the Yorkshire Dales; it’s an opportunity to explore a village rich in history and community. From the historic Keld United Reformed Church to the tranquil Keld Well-being Garden and the welcoming atmosphere of Keld Public Hall, the village offers much to discover.

Muker to Keld Walk: My Photos

This is the view of Swaledale as we join the Pennine Way near Kisdon. The landscape unfolds, offering a glimpse of the valley below.

Looking east across the Swaledale valley, we can see Ivelet Side and Ivelet Wood.

As we head north on the Pennine Way, the east-facing slopes of Kisdon start to reveal their beauty, with each step offering new perspectives.

We enjoy superb views of the Swaledale valley and the surrounding hills, making the Muker to Keld walk a scenic experience.

Walking along the Pennine Way above the rugged North Gang Scar is exhilarating, with the path offering great views of the landscape.

Looking across to Swinner Gill, we see the V-shaped valley carved by the stream that flows down to join the River Swale.

Above Birk Hill, we find ourselves looking across the steep-sided valley near Kisdon Force. Although the River Swale is hidden below, the waterfall can be heard.

This is Keld United Reformed Church, a site with over 450 years of history. The current chapel was founded in 1789 by Reverend Edward Stillman as an independent church. It became part of the United Reformed Church in 1972 and is open to visitors today.

Exploring the village further, we take a closer look at the Keld United Reformed Church graveyard, a peaceful place full of history.

The Keld Well-being Garden offers a tranquil spot within the village, perfect for reflection and relaxation during the Muker to Keld walk.

In the heart of the village is Keld Public Hall & Reading Room, built in 1926. Inside, we find a self-service café that provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a break on our journey.

This is the delightful village of Keld, nestled in the landscape and full of character, offering a perfect pause on the Muker to Keld walk.

Here is East Gill, near its confluence with the River Swale just outside Keld. These waterfalls are often mistaken for the nearby Catrake Force.

We cross the footbridge over the River Swale, located between Catrake Force and Kisdon Force, marking a significant point in the Muker to Keld walk.

The River Swale flows south-east through the valley at Kisdon Force, creating a serene yet powerful presence as it cuts through the landscape.

Looking over to Beldi Hill, the terrain shifts again, offering a rugged view that contrasts with the valley below.

The water from Swinner Gill flows steadily into the River Swale, continuing the natural cycle that shapes this landscape.

We cross Swinner Gill, where the path takes us closer to the river, allowing us to appreciate its force and beauty during the Muker to Keld walk.

Between Kisdon Side and Swinner Gill, the valley floor widens, and the River Swale meanders peacefully through, creating a more tranquil scene.

Looking back at the picturesque river floodplain, we wander through the valley, soaking in the serene beauty that makes this walk so memorable.

As we continue, we cross Ramps Holme Bridge near Ivelet Wood, a scenic spot that adds to the charm of the Muker to Keld walk.

The meadowland path between Ramps Holme Bridge and Muker is a classic subject of many Yorkshire Dales photographs, and it’s easy to see why with its stunning scenery.

This is St Mary’s Church in Muker, originally built in the 1580s, a historical gem that stands as a testament to the village’s heritage.

Muker Literary Institute

Muker Literary Institute was erected in the 1860s as a reading room for local men. It is a significant historical landmark in Muker. As we come to the end of our Muker to Keld walk, the building reminds us of a time when literacy was a rare privilege.

Its unusual decorative gable end gives it a Flemish appearance. However, little is known about the architect who designed it or why this style was chosen. Reading rooms were built in many Yorkshire Dales villages. They provided wholesome and educational places for young men to spend their time. The institute was built by public subscription for around £260. It was specified that the building be ‘two storeys high of a neat and substantial character with freestone dressings.’

Working people valued self-education. The list of over 600 books kept in the specially built bookcases upstairs shows the broad range of works available. There was also a daily newspaper and periodicals, bringing the wider world to this remote community.

In later years, the building’s function changed. However, it still remained a community building. Since the 1920s, Muker Silver Band has used the building. Currently, the upper room is for rehearsals. The ground floor room is now used for meetings and exhibitions.