Swaledale: Muker to Keld via the Pennine Way
North Yorkshire
Muker to Keld is one of the most photographed walks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and this dog friendly loop passes through the famous wildflower hay meadows of Upper Swaledale, follows the tumbling River Swale upstream to Kisdon Force, crosses on the Pennine Way and returns high along the flanks of Kisdon Hill. Every season has something: spring lambs, summer meadows, autumn colour and crisp winter clear air.
Dogs must stay on a lead through the Muker hay meadows from April to August while the flowers are growing and through all the in-bye pasture, where sheep graze year round. The higher Pennine Way section above Keld allows off lead if your recall is strong, though you will still meet the odd sheep. The Swale at East Gill Force and Kisdon Force has swimmable pools but currents are fierce after rain. Underfoot is flagged field path, stony packhorse track and grassy moor, with several stiles some dogs will need lifting over. Pay parking in both Muker and Keld.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.1 km (6.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- River, Waterfall, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Teashop and pub in Muker; public toilets at Keld; Muker Village Stores sells drinks and ice cream.
- Parking
- Muker village pay car park at £5.60 per day via coins or RingGo (DL11 6QG); smaller Keld car park at NY892011.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swaledale: Muker to Keld via the Pennine Way dog friendly?
This is a well-loved dog-friendly circuit rated 8.5 out of 10, taking in some of the most scenic countryside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Dogs are welcome throughout, though leads are required in certain areas to protect the famous wildflower hay meadows and grazing sheep — so it rewards a little forward planning depending on the time of year you visit.
Can dogs be off lead at Swaledale: Muker to Keld via the Pennine Way?
Dogs must be kept on a lead through the Muker hay meadows between April and August, and on a lead at all times through the in-bye pasture where sheep graze year round. The higher section of the Pennine Way above Keld does allow off-lead walking if your dog has reliable recall, though sheep can still be encountered up there, so it's worth staying alert.
What should I know before visiting Swaledale: Muker to Keld via the Pennine Way with my dog?
The route mixes flagged field paths, stony packhorse tracks and grassy moorland, and includes several stiles that some dogs will need to be lifted over — worth bearing in mind if you have a larger or less agile dog. The River Swale offers swimmable pools at East Gill Force and Kisdon Force, but currents can be strong after rain so take care. There's pay parking in both Muker (£5.60 per day) and at the smaller Keld car park, and Muker has a teashop, pub and village stores selling drinks and ice cream for post-walk refuelling.
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