Riverside Walks
The River Swale and the Arkle Beck have public rights of way along much of their length, as do the many gills, becks and waterfalls that flow into them. Many of the popular walks follow the banks of the River Swale. While appearing placid for most of the year, when in flood these river side paths should be avoided. The River Swale is responsible for much of the bank erosion which threatens some sections of the riverside paths, as well as eroding valuable meadow land.
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The Pennine Way
The Pennine Way crosses Swaledale from Great Shunner Fell near Hawes to Tan Hill at the top of Arkengarthdale.
                                       
                                               
                             
                           If you would like to find out more, visit the official Pennine Way web site.

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Coast to Coast Route
The Coast to Coast Route also crosses the area running from Nine Standards Rigg to Richmond. It is not an official national trail, the route is nevertheless popular, which has lead to significant erosion around the area of Nine Standards Rigg. Alternative routes have been put in place to help manage the impact of users. The Ramblers Association web site is a good source of further information.

Angling
There is trout fishing on the main river but the fishing on the Swale can be unpredictable due to the variation in water levels. Please remember all fishing is strictly private and in addition to a permit, a National Rod Licence is required.

When water levels are sufficient, good trout fishing can be found between Muker and Reeth. In the Reeth area the Reeth & District Angling Society have water below Grinton Bridge. Day tickets are available from the Post Office in Reeth and the Bridge Inn Grinton (01748 884224) for the main river up to Keld and a mile downstream of Grinton Bridge. The Thornaby Angling Association has the rights on the south bank from Grinton up to Low Row and also some water on the north bank, tickets and further information are available from Grinton Lodge YHA. Downstream of Reeth, fly fishing is available on a day ticket at Marrick Park. Also Richmond and District Angling Society have about six miles of water downstream of Downholme Bridge. Further information is available from Gilsan Sports (01748 822108) and Richmond Angling Centre (01748 822989).

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Yorkshire Dales Cycleway
Starting and finishing in Skipton, the Yorkshire Dales cycleway covers approximately 215 km along some of the quieter roads. Part of the cycleway passes through Muker and Grinton in Swaledale. Further information about the cycleway is available from National Park Centres. Mountain bikes can be hired locally, and there is plenty of over night accommodation in the area

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Journey Planner
For information on bus and train services to and within the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale area, visit the Yorkshire Dales Journey Planner Website.