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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
| > Home > Newsletter > Walking > Low Row |
Low RowA mild but cloudy morning saw about a dozen of us including Jeremy and Mary; Pete and Chris; Alan; Ian (and, of course, Jess) plus my wife, Gwyneth, and myself, set off from outside the Punch Bowl Inn at Low Row in Swaledale, for a 9 mile circular walk. We headed up a steep lane west out of the village, then doubled back along a muddy track to eventually join the Arkengarthdale Road above Feetham Pasture. A short walk along the moor road brought us to Surrender Bridge, where we had a brief coffee stop while Jeremy (our leader for the day) told us the history of the bridge and the long abandoned mining activities of the area. From here we headed up the old mine track alongside Hard Level Gill to the, now partially restored, ruins of Old Gang Smelt Mill. By now the sun had come out and fleeces and kags were removed as Jeremy again related the fascinating story of this piece of local industrial history which we were told used to produce a small quantity of silver as well as lead. Not a lot of people know that! Continuing again along one of the many old mine tracks in the area, we headed over Melbecks Moor from where we had excellent views back beyond Surrender Bridge into Swaledale; and to Great Punchard, with it's head just in the cloud a few miles to the North West. We stopped for lunch in the sunshine beside one of many well-maintained grouse shooting butts next to the track, but soon the sun was gone and we were glad to be on the move again as a cold breeze set in. Gwyneth was feeling the cold and experimented with a chemical hand-warmer pouch, but it was difficult at first to tell whether it was getting warm of its own accord or from people holding it to see if it was getting warm. Next we turned south back towards Swaledale onto a pleasant grassy track, followed by a short diversion to the remains of Smaber Chapel. This, we were told was the first non-conformist chapel in the dale, and Jeremy once again regaled us with its full history, dates and all. I can recommend Jeremy's walks to any new members or occasional walkers as they are always conducted at an un-hurried pace interspersed with breaks to take in the scenery and learn some gems of local history. Finally Jeremy lead us through ancient - and muddy - Rowleth wood and back to Low Row for a cool pint or a warm cup of tea, depending on your taste at the Punch Bowl. By this time Gwyneth's hand warmer, which of course was no longer required, was hot enough to burn your fingers. Well, at least we now know they work. Richard Wright |