Reeth

Reeth enjoys a magnificent setting on a plateau above the River Swale, surrounded by a great panorama of hills. For that reason alone it’s a great place to stay without a car, thanks to some excellent visitor facilities – including shops, pubs, cafés, accommodation and a small local museum and National Park Centre.

Although it does not have the same choice of good bus routes or easy access from the rail network as Richmond, the Swaledale bus service provides well timed links along the whole dale giving a really good choice of walks as far as Gunnerside or Keld, or along the main road to Richmond. There are also interesting walks around Fremington and Grinton with its superb lead mine artefacts and remains, including the great Smelt Mill, Flue and Peat Store.

There is an excellently refurbished Youth Hostel at Grinton Lodge, in a splendid moorland setting about two miles (3km) from Reeth which is especially suitable for families.

Bus times can be checked on the Dalesbus website (link opens in new window).

Local services: Toilets, café, pubs, shops, accommodation, tourist information centre