Swinner Gill, Swaledale

A most remarkable day in Upper Swaledale walking from Muker to Keld and back alongside and above each bank of the River Swale. We've been to Keld before but only in the car not walking so this part of Swaledale was a revelation.

From Muker the walk followed the valley of the river for a mile or so before branching off steeply to the right and up the valley side and into the side valley of Swinner Gill. The main valley was once a glacial overflow channel caused by a huge lake to the north overtopping at the lowest point and sending millions of gallons of water a second down the valley until the lake was eventually drained. The additional shots show the valley from different positions.

Swinner Gill on the other hand was, I believe a collapsed cave system judging by the vertical walls and waterfalls and the presence of limestone deposits on the gillside that are found in limestone caves underground. Swinner Gill was a place of worship apparently as Swinner Gill Kirk is marked on the map. It consists of a deep pool, waterfall and cave in a very secluded spot. We tried to find it with the help of a fellow walker but had to give up.

The scenery and interest in this part of Swaledale is unsurpassed. The valley sides were carpeted with primroses, there were waterfalls galore and lots of old buildings including "Crackpot Hall" where a mad girl was supposed to have lived.

We ended the walk in driving rain and ferocious winds that you could hardly stand up against. But even those elements conspired to create a rainbow below us in the valley.

Then it was back to the house for tea and cake, wash and rest before another evening of food and drink and good company.