Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk

A personal record of my walk in 1994 with written journal and photographs. Tracklogs for GPS units and for use with Google Earth are available for download for each stage.


Journal, Photographs and Download Files

Stage 6: Reeth to Keld
Google Maps Open Source Maps

Statistics and Files
Start: Reeth Finish: Keld Distance: 11.7 miles (18.9 km)
Time: 4-5 hours Climbing: 624 metres Rating: Hard
GPX Route File Google Earth File About Reeth
Statistics
Start: Reeth Finish: Keld
Distance: 11.7 miles (18.9 km) Time: 4-5 hours
Climbing: 624 metres Rating: Hard
GPX Route File Google Earth File
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

Stage Report

Steve erects a cairn in the River SwaleSteve erects a cairn in the River Swale
Wall walking near Long RowWall walking near Long Row

The Coast to Coast Map (OS 34) indicates an 11 mile route that includes Surrender Bridge and the Old Gang Smelting Mills, a route I recommend. However we deviated from that route by taking a low level path including some riverside walking which added two miles but included the bonus of visiting Gunnerside. As we left Reeth my aches had abated somewhat and we made good time skirting the river towards Isles Bridge. It was easy going and from Isles Bridge we headed to Gunnerside. At Gunnerside we stocked up with provisions for the evening as Keld is a dry village and our Youth hostel accommodation certainly had no bar to offer. The nearest pub to Keld is the famous Tan Hill Inn, the highest Inn in England but 5 miles from Keld - there are no bus routes up here and taxis are very scarce! We left Gunnerside stocked up and walked in beautiful scenery alongside the Swale until we arrived at Swinner Gill. Here we left the riverside and followed the Gill upstream to disused Lead Mines and from there ascended to Crackpot Hall. The countryside here, a northern fell environment is typically bleak and I imagined how tough it must have been for the Victorian miners and hill farmers working the land up here when the weather turned inclement.

The majestic River SwaleThe majestic River Swale
Ivelet BridgeIvelet Bridge

Soon after Crackpot Hall we dropped down to East Gill waterfall, a waterfall popular with visitors to Keld. On many occasions I have passed through here and encountered families picnicking beside the falls. Back to today and after taking the obligatory photograph we scampered through the short woodland path into the old Viking settlement that is Keld. On the feet issue, I was once again in acute pain on reaching the youth hostel. It was at this point I decided to abandon my boots and walk in trainers. It was a decision I should have took a little earlier in the walk. I was never to suffer again.

Old workings near Crackpot HallOld workings near Crackpot Hall
Steve smiles at East Gill WaterfallSteve smiles at East Gill Waterfall

Note of interest - The village of Keld is surrounded by the hills of Swaledale and is as quiet a spot as you can hope to find (apart from the bleating of the sheep!) Enjoy your quiet evening in Keld as you have now reached halfway on the walk, a reason in itself for celebration


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