Reeth to Grinton Circular, Swaledale
North Yorkshire
The Reeth to Grinton circular is a short and reliably dog friendly introduction to Swaledale, suitable for most fitness levels. From Reeth's huge village green you drop down to the River Swale, cross the suspension bridge and wander through the meadows at Low Fremington before following the quiet lane into Grinton, returning across Swale Bridge and back through Low Fremington to Reeth.
This is a gentle low-level walk but it crosses multiple working meadows with Swaledale sheep present year-round, so leads are needed in fields and on the short sections of road. Paths can be muddy after wet spells and there are a handful of stiles. Reeth is a proper Dales base with three pubs, two cafés, a bakery, a village shop and public toilets all facing the green, and Grinton adds the welcoming Bridge Inn for a mid-walk stop.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Reeth village offers three pubs, cafés, a bakery, a shop and public toilets; Grinton has the Bridge Inn with a dog-friendly beer garden.
- Parking
- Parking on Reeth's village green is by voluntary contribution (£2 per day, £1 per half day); spaces are plentiful outside peak summer weekends.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reeth to Grinton Circular, Swaledale dog friendly?
Yes, this walk scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness and makes a great introduction to Swaledale with dogs in tow. The route follows river meadows and quiet lanes, and both Reeth and Grinton have welcoming spots to stop — Reeth has three pubs and two cafés, while Grinton's Bridge Inn has a dog-friendly beer garden.
Can dogs be off lead at Reeth to Grinton Circular, Swaledale?
There are sections where dogs can enjoy a bit more freedom, but leads are needed in the fields and on road sections, as the route crosses multiple working meadows where Swaledale sheep are present year-round. It's worth keeping that in mind for the whole walk rather than just dipping in and out of lead use.
What should I know before visiting Reeth to Grinton Circular, Swaledale with my dog?
The walk is low-level and suits most fitness levels, but paths can get muddy after wet weather and there are a handful of stiles to navigate, so it's worth coming prepared. Parking is on Reeth's village green by voluntary contribution (£2 per day or £1 per half day), and facilities are excellent — public toilets, a shop, a bakery and several cafés and pubs are all right on the green.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk6.7 mi awayAysgarth Falls
North Yorkshire
A gentle woodland and riverside loop taking in all three tiers of one of Yorkshire's most celebrated waterfall systems, with good scent work and easy terrain throughout.
Walk8 mi awaySwaledale: Muker to Keld via the Pennine Way
North Yorkshire
A classic Yorkshire Dales circuit from Muker's hay meadows along the Pennine Way to the Kisdon Force waterfalls at Keld.
Walk8.3 mi awayRichmond Castle and the River Swale Walk
North Yorkshire
A dog friendly circuit below Richmond's Norman castle walls, along the River Swale to the ruined Easby Abbey and back.
Walk9 mi awaySemerwater Circular
North Yorkshire
A quiet and undervisited circuit around North Yorkshire's second-largest natural lake, taking in remote Raydale hamlets, open fell views and a peaceful lakeside far from the main Dales honeypots.
Walk9.1 mi awaySwaledale: Keld to Muker Circular
North Yorkshire
A classic Swaledale circular through the wildflower meadows and gorge paths linking Keld and Muker, the picture-postcard walk of the Dales.
Walk9.1 mi awayMiddleham Castle and River Cover Loop
North Yorkshire
A dog friendly riverside loop from Richard III's childhood castle along the River Cover, with racehorse gallops and Wensleydale views.
