11.5 miles.
Explorer Map No OL30.
A classic walk, which takes in both
Swaledale's past lead mining industry and some of the finest views along
Swaledale itself.
Although all the paths are fairly straightforward to follow, on the
day I made this walk a good object lesson in being properly prepared
was given. I had left Gunnerside in shirt sleeves (other walkers were
also lightly clad). But by the time I had walked 2 miles up the Gill,
the weather had started to close in. Up at the Blakethwaite Dams the
rain was coming down, visibility had dropped to only a few metres, and
the combination of wind and rain called for full weather protection!
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from Gunnerside village centre,
SD9509598205.
Take the footpath running alongside the Gill heading North, and follow
this all the way to the disused lead mine at NY9401501151.
Continue North along the footpath marked Blakethwaite Dams, eventaully
reaching the dams at NY9347003007 (elevation 1765 ft).
From the dams head uphill on poorly marked tracks, in a South Easterly
direction, to eventually meet a shooter's road. This road can then be
followed, first South and then South East, all the way to Surrender
Bridge (SD9886199911).
From Surrender Bridge, take the road South until the footpath at SD9895599529
leads you South West to the hamlet of Blades.
Here take the roadway and then track, West, all the way back to Gunnerside.