Each river pulses with its own spirit, coming together to create walks that inspire and captivate anyone venturing through northern England.
North Yorkshire’s rivers are numerous, but three stand out. The Swale, England’s fastest flowing river, descends from the moors above Keld, cascading through waterfalls and a gorge shaped by past lead mining. The broader, gentler Ure meanders through Wensleydale, passing historic castles and limestone falls. The Nidd winds through Nidderdale, just outside the National Park, where some of Yorkshire’s most impressive limestone landscapes await.
Every river beckons for a day of exploration. Let these ten scenic walks reveal the magic of northern England: journey through wild valleys, ancient abbeys, tumbling waterfalls, and quiet riverbanks where time truly pauses.
Quick Facts
- Rivers covered: Swale, Ure, Nidd
- Walking difficulty: Mostly moderate. Some routes include stiles, gentle climbs, or uneven surfaces. Walks on open moorland or riverside paths can get muddy and slippery after rain, so appropriate footwear and sure footing are essential.
- Total walks: 10, split across four Swale walks, three Ure walks, and three Nidd walks
- Best time to visit: Spring to autumn. After heavy rain, river levels—especially on the Swale—can rise quickly.
The River Swale
The River Swale surges as England’s fastest, flooding the land in moments and carving dramatic beauty into Swaledale’s heart. Its power is most awe-inspiring west of Kisdon Hill, racing past Richmond’s castle and the haunting abbey ruins—unforgettable in every season.
Swaledale has many small but lovely waterfalls, including Richmond Falls, Kisdon Force, and Catrake Force, most of which are found near Keld.
Walk 1: The Keld Waterfalls Circuit.
Keld, Upper Swaledale | 4 miles | Moderate
Keld is a hamlet at the head of Swaledale, where the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast routes cross. Its limestone buildings mainly serve walkers, alongside a handful of farms. The outdoor scenery is the main attraction in this area.
The upper dale is known for its old limestone field barns and wildflowers. Ruined stone mine buildings dot the area, slowly blending into the landscape.
This walk from Keld visits Catrake Force just below the village, East Gill Force at the gill joining the Swale, and Kisdon Force—the largest—a bit further downstream. After rain, each is spectacular, while summer mornings are quieter for visits.
The route loops above the river, offering views into the steep gorge below, before heading back to the village. It’s short enough to finish before lunch, so you can try the Muker to Keld walk in the afternoon.
- Where to Stay: Keld Lodge, a former shooting lodge in the village, has rooms, a restaurant and views down the dale. Built in 1860, it now sits at the halfway point of both the Coast to Coast and the Pennine Way. The only hotel in the upper dale.
- Worth Knowing: Keld was once a thriving lead mining community. The industry collapsed in the 1880s when cheaper imported lead undercut the local market, and most of the population left within a generation.
Walk 2: Muker to Keld via Pennine Way and River. Location: Muker, Upper Swaledale. Length: 5 miles return. Difficulty: Moderate. Route: Follow the Pennine Way from Muker to Keld, passing through hay meadows and the villages of Muker, Thwaite, and Keld. Return along the riverside path beneath limestone cliffs. Highlights: Hay meadows, limestone crags, Kisdon Hill. Recommended Stay: Keld Lodge.
Muker to Keld, Upper Swaledale | 5 miles return | Moderate.
Start in Muker and follow the Pennine Way to Keld, with views across the upper dale. Return along a scenic riverside path through a gorge beneath limestone crags. The route passes classic hay meadows and links Muker, Thwaite, and Keld, all near Kisdon Hill.
This well-known short walk in Swaledale offers inspiring scenery and varied views of the dale and Kisdon Hill.
Muker’s hay meadows are among the most beautiful in the Dales. In June, wildflowers bloom in abundance. These meadows are protected and show how traditional hay management sustains them. A circuit over Kisdon Hill and by the Swale is a top route here.
- Where to Stay: Keld Lodge is the natural base for walks 1 and 2, within a mile of both Keld and the Muker path.
- Worth Knowing: Thwaite, the smallest of the three villages, was the birthplace of Richard and Cherry Kearton, the pioneering Victorian naturalist brothers who produced some of the earliest nature photography in Britain.
Walk 3: Reeth to Healaugh and Back Along the Swale. Location: Reeth, Mid Swaledale. Length: 5 miles. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Route: Leave Reeth, cross the Swale, and follow the northern bank to Healaugh. Return on the south side along riverside paths, passing woodland and a swing bridge. Highlights: Village of Reeth, views, swing bridge. Recommended Stay: The Buck, Reeth.
Reeth, mid Swaledale | 5 miles | Easy to Moderate.
Leave Reeth, cross the Swale, and follow the northern bank west to Healaugh, returning on the south side. The mostly flat path passes woodland and a swing bridge, with access to Arkle Beck and the river confluence near Grinton.
Reeth, where Arkengarthdale meets Swaledale, sits where the dale opens out. Built around a sloping green with hills on three sides, it’s the main village in mid-Swaledale and home to the Swaledale Museum and great pubs.
Lovely footpaths span both river sides, offering fantastic Dales views. Highlights include the swing bridge near Reeth, woodland, and quiet banks.
This walk crosses the Swale at Reeth, continues to Healaugh, and returns along the southern side, keeping close to the river. It’s a moderate, mostly flat walk ideal for riverside excursions. Near Grinton Bridge, Arkle Beck joins the Swale, accessible by a nearby path.
- Where to Stay: The Buck in Reeth is an 18th-century former coaching inn on the village green, with rooms, a restaurant, and a walled garden. It sits directly on the Coast to Coast route and is one of the better-placed bases in mid-Swaledale.
- Worth Knowing: The Swaledale Museum in Reeth covers the history of lead mining, agricultural life, and the natural history of the dale. It is one of the best small museums in the Yorkshire Dales.
Walk 4: Richmond to Easby Abbey Along the Swale. Location: Richmond, lower Swaledale. Length: 4 miles (return). Difficulty: Easy. Route: Follows River Swale through Hudswell Woods, past Richmond Falls, to Easby Abbey; return via former railway bridge and woodland. Highlights: Waterfalls, woodland, historic abbey. Recommended Stay: The Frenchgate Hotel, Richmond.
Richmond, lower Swaledale | 4 miles return | Easy.
Begin in Richmond and walk along the River Swale through Hudswell Woods, past Richmond Falls, to Easby Abbey. Cross the river on a former railway bridge and return through the woods. The flat, well-marked route visits historic and natural sites.
Richmond rises above the Swale, perched on a dramatic outcrop with its Norman castle presiding grandly. Below, the riverside trail flows with ease and delight—one of North Yorkshire’s most uplifting walks, where history and nature entwine.
This walk leads from Richmond along the Swale, passing historic sites, waterfalls, and woodland. When the river is high after rain, Richmond Falls are especially impressive.
Follow the river downstream from Richmond through Hudswell Woods to Easby Abbey’s ruins, founded in 1155 and now managed by English Heritage, with free entry. Cross back via a former railway bridge and return through riverside woods.
- Where to Stay: The Frenchgate Hotel, Richmond, is a Grade II listed Georgian property in the town centre, four-star rated, with nine individually styled rooms and a well-regarded restaurant. Five minutes’ walk from Richmond Castle and the start of the walk.
- Worth Knowing: Richmond Castle was begun in 1071 after the Norman conquest and preserves elements from the 12th century. It is widely considered one of the best-preserved Norman towers in England.
The River Ure
The River Ure in Yorkshire runs for about 74 miles from its source near Ure Head on Abbotside Common to where it meets the River Ouse. Along the way, it passes many famous beauty spots, like Aysgarth Falls. Wensleydale, the valley of the Ure, is named after the village of Wensley, not the river, making it one of the few dales not named after its waterway.
Walk 5: Aysgarth Falls Circuit. Location: Aysgarth, Mid Wensleydale. Length: 3.5 miles. Difficulty: Easy. Route: Circular woodland paths visiting upper, middle, and lower Aysgarth Falls, with optional extension to Carperby and the Wheatsheaf Inn. Highlights: Three Aysgarth Falls, limestone features. Recommended Stay: (Specify if available.)
Aysgarth Falls comprises three waterfalls—upper, middle, and lower—separated by river stretches running through woodland managed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Ure flows over broad limestone shelves, and after rain, the falls are truly impressive.
Aysgarth Falls in mid-Wensleydale is where the Ure flows over three rocky ledges. After rain, the falls are dramatic and mesmerising, with viewing platforms at the Lower and Upper Falls for an up-close experience.
The walk follows the river through Freeholders’ Wood, an ancient oak woodland mentioned in medieval records. You can extend the route to the village of Carperby, where the Wheatsheaf Inn makes a great stop.
- Where to Stay: The George and Dragon Inn, Aysgarth, is a 17th-century coaching inn directly beside the village, a ten-minute walk from the upper falls, with seven en-suite rooms and a bar serving Black Sheep and Yorkshire Dales ales, or try The Wheatsheaf Inn, Carperby, a 14-room inn in the village where James Herriot honeymooned, less than a mile from the falls.
- Worth Knowing: Aysgarth Falls appeared in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The scene in which Robin Hood fights Little John with quarterstaffs was filmed on the footbridge beside the upper falls.
Walk 6: Wensley to Leyburn Along the River Ure.
Wensley and Leyburn, lower Wensleydale | 4 miles | Easy
Wensley is the village that gave Wensleydale its name. It was once the main market town until the plague struck in the 14th century, leaving most of the population gone. The market moved to Leyburn, where it still takes place, and Wensley became the quiet village it is today.
The circular walk from Leyburn visits the pretty little village of Wensley with a riverside section along the River Ure. The village gives its name to the dale, Wensleydale, and includes a Grade I listed church dating from 1300. There is also an attractive village green and rows of pretty stone cottages.
The walk follows the Ure between Wensley and Leyburn, with the river nearby and the valley slowly opening up to the east. This part of Wensleydale is gentler and less dramatic than the upper dale, making it perfect for a long, relaxed walk with great views of the farmland.
- Where to Stay: The Bolton Arms, Redmire, is a 17th-century village pub with five rooms, two miles from Aysgarth and a mile from Bolton Castle, positioned well for exploring both the Wensley stretch and the upper Ure. Alternatively, The Wheatsheaf Inn, Carperby has 14 rooms and sits directly between Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle.
- Worth Knowing: Bolton Castle, visible from the Wensley to Leyburn walk, was built in 1399 and held Mary Queen of Scots as a prisoner for six months in 1568. It remains privately owned and open to visitors.
Walk 7: Masham to Hackfall Wood Along the Ure.
Masham, lower Wensleydale | 7 miles | Moderate
Masham is best known for its two breweries, but the riverside walks around the town are among the best in lower Wensleydale. Here, the River Ure is wider and slower than upstream. The path west to Hackfall Wood follows the river through farmland and into old woodland. It leaves Masham as it winds through the countryside to the River Burn. It is a peaceful walk with plenty of wildlife. Masham is home to two iconic breweries, Black Sheep and Theakston’s.
The River Ure and Hackfall Wood loop from Masham is a moderate 7.6-mile walk. The trail includes riverside paths and routes through historic Hackfall Wood. This woodland was designed in the 18th century by William Aislabie as a picturesque attraction, with dramatic gorges and ravines. It was neglected for much of the 20th century but has been gradually restored by the Woodland Trust. Even now, it’s still a hidden gem outside Yorkshire.
- Where to Stay: The Kings Head Hotel in Masham is an 18th-century Georgian inn overlooking Yorkshire’s largest market square, with 27 rooms and a restaurant. It is a 4-minute walk from Theakston Brewery and a 7-minute walk from Black Sheep.
- Worth Knowing: Hackfall Wood has a series of follies, cascades, and viewpoints built by Aislabie to add drama to the landscape. Many are partly ruined, which gives them a charm that full restoration might not.
The River Nidd.
The River Nidd’s name comes from a Celtic word meaning brilliant. It begins on the slopes of Great Whernside and winds its way to join the River Ouse near York. Nidderdale is a mix of pastures, woods, reservoirs, moorland, farms, and old villages.
Nidderdale is probably the least known of Yorkshire’s valleys. It has three large reservoirs created by damming the Nidd, and is home to impressive natural sights like Brimham Rocks, Guise Cliff, and How Stean Gorge.
Walk 8: Brimham Rocks to Pateley Bridge via the River Nidd
Brimham Rocks, mid Nidderdale | 7.5 miles | Moderate
Brimham Rocks is a National Trust site with amazing rock formations shaped by water and wind over 350 million years. The gritstone outcrops rise from Brimham Moor in shapes visitors have named over the years, such as the Idol, the Sphinx, and the Dancing Bear. It’s a place where kids love to climb, and adults can’t help but stare.
This circular walk starts at the dramatic moorland rocks, heads down to the River Nidd and Pateley Bridge, and returns along the Nidderdale Way. The path gently descends from the moor to the river, passing through Smelthouses before meeting the Nidd at Glasshouses. The riverside section from Glasshouses to Pateley Bridge is one of the prettiest parts of the lower Nidd, with the river winding through woodland before reaching the town.
- Where to Stay: The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill, is an 18th-century coaching inn in the village of Ramsgill, a few miles up the valley from Pateley Bridge. Set in a picturesque Nidderdale village, it now operates primarily as an exclusive events and wedding venue with beautiful bedrooms, and is one of the most distinctive places to stay in the dale.
- Worth Knowing: The Scotgate Ash Quarry above Pateley Bridge supplied the stone used to build the steps of the National Gallery in London. The quarry is now quiet, but its outline remains visible on the hillside above the town.
Walk 9: Pateley Bridge to Gouthwaite Reservoir
Pateley Bridge, upper Nidderdale | 5 miles | Easy to Moderate
The first stretch of the Nidderdale Way follows the tree-lined Nidd through meadows and small woods. The river is so calm it sometimes looks motionless, with only the occasional fish breaking the surface.
Gouthwaite Reservoir was built in 1901 to supply water to Bradford. Its shallow edges have become one of North Yorkshire’s top wetland bird habitats. Over 200 bird species have been spotted here, including kingfishers, buzzards, and even golden eagles.
The walk heads north from Pateley Bridge along the Nidderdale Way, following the Nidd and then the reservoir’s eastern shore, before crossing to the west bank and returning through fields above Ramsgill. Early mornings in spring and autumn are the best times to see birds at the reservoir.
- Where to Stay: The Sportsman’s Arms, Wath-in-Nidderdale, is a family-run country inn two miles west of Pateley Bridge, beside the Nidd, with eleven rooms and a reputation for game and locally sourced food. It is within easy walking distance of Gouthwaite Reservoir’s southern end.
- Worth Knowing: Ramsgill, at the north end of Gouthwaite Reservoir, was the birthplace of Eugene Aram, an 18th-century schoolmaster who became infamous for murder. He lived under a false name for 14 years before being caught and hanged in York in 1759.
Walk 10: How Stean Gorge and Middlesmoor
Lofthouse, upper Nidderdale | 4 miles | Moderate
Victorian climbers called How Stean Gorge ‘Little Switzerland’ when they came to explore its limestone walls. This narrow ravine, carved by Stean Beck, is up to 24 metres deep in places, with paths along both the top and bottom and footbridges crossing the water below.
The upper valley features the dramatic limestone gorge of How Stean Gorge, known as Little Switzerland, and the untouched, cobbled village of Middlesmoor. Middlesmoor dates back to the 12th century and sits high on a steep hillside with amazing views.
The walk from Lofthouse visits the gorge, then climbs up to Middlesmoor, a village perched high above the valley with sweeping views over Nidderdale and the moors. The view from Middlesmoor Church is especially stunning. The route then heads back down through fields and along the beck to where you started.
- Where to Stay: The Crown Hotel, Lofthouse is a traditional family-run hotel in the village of Lofthouse, directly on the Nidderdale Way and within walking distance of How Stean Gorge. Log fires, hand-pulled ales and home-cooked food. Dog friendly. One of the most atmospheric places to stay in Upper Nidderdale.
- Worth Knowing: How Stean Gorge is privately owned and operated as a visitor attraction, with a modest admission fee. As well as the walking routes, there are caving experiences, rope bridges and a series of underground passages that can be explored with a torch.
Practical Tips
- Navigation: Download the AllTrails app before you go. Most walks are well marked, but phone signal can be patchy in the upper dales, especially above Keld and in upper Nidderdale. Make sure to download your routes for offline use.
- River conditions: The Swale rises faster than any river of its size in England and can be dangerous after heavy rain. Always check conditions before crossing rivers, especially on the upper Swale near Keld.
- Footwear: Waterproof boots are a must for these walks. Even when it’s dry, riverbanks and field paths can be muddy.
- Timing: Start early for the Keld waterfall walks and at Gouthwaite Reservoir to catch the best wildlife and avoid summer crowds. The Aysgarth Falls car park fills up fast on nice weekends.
Responsible Visiting
Swaledale, Wensleydale, and Nidderdale are all working farms. Always close gates behind you, especially during lambing season from March to May. Swaledale sheep are tough and live on the high moors year-round. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and on a lead when asked to do so.
The hay meadows near Muker are protected. Please stick to the marked footpaths—wildflowers can’t grow back if the ground is trampled by people walking off the path.
Reader Q&A
Which of these walks is best for a complete beginner?
The Richmond to Easby Abbey walk is the easiest. It follows a clear riverside path with no big climbs and finishes at an English Heritage site that’s worth visiting even without the walk.
Which walk requires the most planning?
You should always check the weather before doing the Keld Waterfalls circuit or the Muker to Keld walk. If the Swale is high, some riverside paths may flood.
Are any of these walks accessible to pushchairs or wheelchairs?
Aysgarth Falls offers a Tramper all-terrain wheelchair you can borrow from the visitor centre for a riverside route. Contact the Yorkshire Dales National Park in advance to check whether it’s available.
Is there a walk that combines two of the rivers?
Masham is on the edge of both the Ure and Nidd valleys, making it a great base if you want to walk in both areas during one trip. The town is on the Ure, and Nidderdale starts just a few miles to the south.
Where to Stay
- Keld Lodge, Keld for upper Swaledale walks
- The Buck, Reeth for mid-Swaledale walks
- The Frenchgate Hotel, Richmond, for the Richmond to Easby Abbey walk
- The George and Dragon Inn, Aysgarth, for the Aysgarth Falls circuit
- The Wheatsheaf Inn, Carperby, for the Aysgarth and Wensley walks
- The Bolton Arms, Redmire, for the Wensleydale to Leyburn walk
- The Kings Head Hotel, Masham, for the Masham and Hackfall Wood walk
- The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill, for upper Nidderdale and Brimham Rocks
- The Sportsman’s Arms, Wath-in-Nidderdale for Gouthwaite Reservoir
- The Crown Hotel, Lofthouse for How Stean Gorge and Middlesmoor
These rivers have flowed here for centuries, long before people came to walk beside them for fun. The Swale carved its gorge while lead miners worked nearby. The Ure passed by Bolton Castle when Mary Queen of Scots looked out from its windows. The Nidd was rising and falling through Nidderdale long before Victorian climbers called it Little Switzerland.
The paths are new, but the rivers have always been the heart of these landscapes.
