We walked west through the village to pick up a footpath which took us across fields, over many narrow stone stiles, towards the banks of the River Swale near Marble Scar. The path continued into Ivelet where we crossed Shore Gill then joined a minor road leading us towards the very attractive hump-backed Ivelet Bridge . As the road turned sharply to the left to cross the bridge we kept on the north side to join a footpath taking us along the banks of the River Swale. This was a wonderful setting for a tea break with the sound of running water in the background.
Continuing on, just after crossing a beck, one path continued by the banks of the river but our route went diagonally across the field towards Calvert Houses. As we were walking along the banks of the river we realised that we had missed the turning. We could have retraced our steps but we carried on ahead to join a path through a wood up to Calvert Houses - not to be recommended because the path was overgrown and obviously hardly used. A machete would have been useful!
A tricky section on the Ivelet Boards
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At Calvert Houses we turned right onto a track heading east before joining a footpath taking us onto Kisdon Bottom above the houses then to Ivelet Side, Ivelet Boards up to Arn Gill. This was a wonderful path which gave us great views of Swaledale and the village of Muker far below. A head for heights was needed because the path was narrow and tricky at times, the path snaking around the side of the hill with some steep drops to the left.
At Arn Gill we stopped for lunch then continued above Arn Gill Scar before taking a "short cut" across some heavy ground to a track leading us to Moss Dam Hags. From here the track continued across Bell Flats to Lownathwaite. We were stopped for a while by a steward telling us that up ahead some shooters were busy blowing the brains out of some defensless grouse but after discussing our route she allowed us to go on. We were accompanied by the sound of shotguns and the odd fleeing grouse flying overhead - the birds appeared to be sitting ducks (sorry!) but plenty were escaping.
A "lunar landscape" looking towards Friarfold and Gorton Hush.
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Ahead we could see much evidence of old mine workings with Gorton hush, Friarfold Hush and Bunton Hush up ahead - the whole area looking like a lunar landscape.
Just after High Whim we turned left down to Lownathwaite Mea where there are extensive remains of the old lead mining industry. Here there was evidence of some half hearted attempts at renovation of the ruins. From here we continued on a track above Gunnerside Beck back down to Gunnerside.
We had our usual discussion as to what pub to go to - either Wetherspoon's or a 'character pub' with drinks at twice the price. We went to Wetherspoon's!
