On a beautiful and warm summer’s day on 27th June, a group of 20 [18 members + 2 guests] set out from a Reeth that was positively heaving with walkers and some cyclists. Fortunately, the groups dispersed in different directions, so that we didn’t have to share our route – though we did have to increase our pace over the last half-mile or so in the afternoon, in order to beat an even larger group we had spotted returning to the town into the pub.
Eight of us started from our meeting point outside Leyburn Police Station then followed the well-trodden path along Leyburn Shawl. The forecast for the day was dry but cloudy, in fact we had hazy sunshine for most of the morning and enjoyed stunning views of Pen Hill and Wensleydale as well as a splendid summer display of bright-yellow rock rose (helianthemum) on the limestone scars of the Shawl.
The magnificent landscape of Swaledale is a composite picture comprising many features; but there are two which make it what it is – the walled field enclosures and the iconic field barn.
This walk originates from Bruce Stainby’s involvement with the National Park’s Project “Every Barn Tells a Story”. It figured in last year’s Richmond Festival programme and seemed worth a return visit as a SOC walk.
I don’t like the name “Smardale”; it seems to me to be too harsh in describing what is a beautiful dale. This walk of c.9.5 miles starts in Ravenstonedale, takes in the nature reserve that extends up the dale and then cuts back down Smardale Gill to return to the start point. (see map below).
