Reeth & Harkerside Moor Loop

This Reeth & Harkerside Loop is a varied Swaledale circuit linking moorland tracks, historic bridges, quiet hamlets and the waterfalls of Haverdale Beck

⭐ Summary of the Reeth & Harkerside Walk

A 10‑mile circular walk from Reeth, climbing onto Harkerside Moor, crossing the open tracks of Whitaside Moor, descending past Bank Top House to the Haverdale Beck waterfalls, then returning through Low Houses, along Low Lane, over Scabba Wath Bridge and Browna Gill Bridge, and finishing beside the River Swale at the Reeth Swing Bridge.

⭐ Stops & Points to Look out for along the walk

A) Reeth Green

B) Reeth Swing Bridge

C) Harkerside Place & High Harker Hill

D) Whitaside Moor

E) Bank Top House

F) Haverdale Beck Waterfalls

G) Low Houses & The Old Parsonage

H) Low Lane

I) Scabba Wath Bridge & Browna Gill Bridge

J) Stubbin Farm & Return to Reeth

Places to Stay Nearby

⭐ Route Breakdown

1) Reeth → Back Lane → Reeth Swing Bridge

Start in Reeth Green, walk across to Anvil Square, and follow the narrow footpath between cottages to reach Back Lane. Turn right, follow signs for the Swing Bridge, pass the medical centre and play area, then descend to the river and cross the Reeth Swing Bridge.

2) Swing Bridge → Harkerside Place → High Harker Hill

On the far side, follow the signed path for Harkerside. Climb through fields, pass farm buildings, and join a stone track. Continue uphill to reach a minor road, then take the grassy footpath rising onto Harkerside Moor. Keep left at the fork and climb to the moorland crossroads.

3) High Harker Hill → Whitaside Moor

Turn right onto the level stony path contouring the hillside with wide views over Swaledale. Continue for about a mile to reach a broad track. Cross straight over and climb towards the black‑painted shooting lodge. Turn right onto the wide stone track across Whitaside Moor, passing old lead‑mining spoil heaps.

4) Whitaside Moor → High Lane → Bank Top House

Descend the stony track to reach High Lane. Turn left, then immediately right into the entrance for Bank Top House. Follow the concrete track through the farm buildings and begin descending into the valley.

5) Bank Top House → Haverdale Beck Waterfalls

Continue downhill through fields, passing a roofless stone barn. At the bottom, reach Haverdale Beck and its series of small waterfalls — one of the highlights of the walk. Cross the footbridge and climb the path to a minor road.

6) Haverdale Beck → The Old Parsonage → Low Houses

Turn right to pass The Old Parsonage, a Georgian house. Continue into Low Houses, passing Lawn House and other traditional stone properties.

7) Low Houses → Low Lane

Take the left‑hand track signed Swale Trail / Low Whita. Follow Low Lane for around 1.5 miles — a level hillside track with sweeping views across Swaledale.

8) Low Lane → Scabba Wath Bridge → Browna Gill Bridge

Reach the minor road near Low Row Bunkhouse and turn left. Continue straight towards Grinton, crossing:

• Scabba Wath Bridge — a Grade II listed 19th‑century stone bridge
• Browna Gill Bridge — a small, recently repaired stone bridge

9) Browna Gill Bridge → Stubbin Farm → Reeth Swing Bridge

Continue along the road until a footpath drops down beside a dry‑stone wall. Follow it to join the bridleway past Stubbin Farm, descending to the River Swale. Walk the riverside path for three‑quarters of a mile back to the Swing Bridge. Cross over and retrace your steps to Reeth Green.

Pick a place to Rest Up

⭐ End‑of‑Walk Summary

A superb Swaledale loop combining moorland tracks, historic bridges, quiet hamlets, and the Haverdale Beck waterfalls. The route offers constant variety — from high open moor to riverside paths — and finishes with a peaceful return to Reeth.

⭐ Distance & Duration

Distance: 10 mile / 16 km

Duration: ~5 hours at a moderate pace

Ascent: 1401 ft / 427 m

Type: Circular

Start/Finish: Reeth

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