Muker Waterfall Walk: Swinner Gill and East Gill Force

This circular walk from Muker is absolutely wonderful, and was so worth the effort….

Looking down into the valley with rugged hills on the other side on the circular walk from Muker. There are some waterfalls just about visible flowing down through the gorge in the hills in the distance.

Looking through the green hilled valley with the River Swale running through it, on the walk from Muker. There are a few hut ruins on the hill, and groups of trees dotted about.

Looking along the River Swale, lined with rocks, and people walking across a bridge ahead, near Muker.

I had only decided this morning to come out here, the main reason being, was to use up my car miles. You see, I have a monthly rental car and have paid extra for more milage allowance.

Due to being sick two weekends in a row, I missed out on some days of hiking, and had a lot of miles to spare before the end of my car month. Not wanting to waste the miles, I picked somewhere to walk that was quite far away. I wasn’t exited at driving all the way up here to Muker (150 miles round trip), but now having done the walk, it was so worth it.

I loved the area so much, I might even come back up here to try some other routes…

Update: I came back the next weekend to try this route through Gunnerside Gill. It is now one of my favourite walks in England. The weekend after, I came back again. This time I tried this route along Fremington Edge, and then this easy circular from Reeth. I recommend them both.

What to expect on this circular walk from Muker

This circular walk takes you from the small cute village of Muker, up along the top of the valley, then down and along the River Swale, passing by East Gill Force and Swinner Gill waterfalls.

A grass trail along the steep hillside, covered in rocks on the circular walk from Muker. There are two people walking on the trail ahead,

The river swale filled with rocks, running through the valley. there are hills ahead and to the right.

Looking down and through the valley with steep green hills, on the walk back to Muker. there are woodland trees going up the hill on the right.

The waterfall sections of the walk were noticeably more busy (as expected), however, it was fairly peaceful for the rest, particularly up along the top of the valley. Also note, I did this walk on a very sunny Sunday.

The waterfalls

On this walk you will go past East Gill Force and Swinner Gill waterfalls. The is also the option to see Kisdon force, which I (semi-accidently) missed out, but I will show you where to go if you want to see it.

East Gill force waterfall cascading down the rocks, at the halfway point in the walk from Muker.

Swinner Gill waterfall cascading down the rocks, partially hidden by the tree branches, on the walk back to Muker.

Also note, I had fully intended to see Crackpot Hall, which is the ruins of an 18th century farm house. However, I completely and accidentally missed it as well. You need to go off the main trail to see it.

Looking at my photos, I can see it from up the hill on the other side of the valley. Anyway, I already have another route planned in mind which will take me to it.

Looking along the rock covered steep hillside, down into the valley on there right. — If you look closely on the right, you can see Crackpot Hall on the other side of the valley

Despite missing out on a couple of sights, everything else was so lovely, so I’m not too sad.

Is the circular walk from Muker easy?

I would rate this walk as mostly easy, although, the first section out of Muker up the hill, is on the more moderate side. As this only makes up a small portion of the route, I would say it’s overall an easy walk.

Looking down to the village of Muker below, when walking up the first hill. The landscape surrounding the village is a mass of green fields and hills as far as the eye can see. — Looking down over Muker on the walk up

There is an alternate route you can take, staying along the River Swale from Muker, (so you end up walking out and back on each side of the river), however, I highly recommend going up the hill, as the views are absolutely wonderful.

Looking over a stone wall, down the hill, to a white cliff face ahead.

Half of the walk is on fairly rugged terrain, with lots of rocks, and some narrow sections of trail with steep drops. The other half is along easy well maintained path.

A very rocky trail, with rocks leading up the hill to the left, and orange and green coloured hills in the distance to the right.

Looking down into the valley at two paths joining each other in a fork, and a the gorge of Swinner Gill ahead, on the walk back to Muker.

Parking in Muker

There is one car park in Muker, which is either cash payment, or by using the Ringo App. I have read bad things about this set up. Firstly that the machine doesn’t work, secondly, that it’s impossible to pay via the app as there is no phone signal.

Never fear though, as you can park for free on the street. If you drive slightly outside the village (it’s a tiny village, so it’s not that far), you can park on the river side. Through the village there is a single yellow line which must be free to park on Sundays, as it was lined with cars when I arrived.

A road on the right, and stone wall on the left, with a sign saying 'Muker'. there are stone buildings ahead, and a big hill beyond them. — I parked just here

Tips for the circular walk from Muker

You definitely want to be wearing hiking boots for the walk along the top. If you choose to skip this bit and walk down by the river out of Muker, trainers will be fine.
If you are able, then definitely take the route out of Muker up along the top of the hill.

The waterfalls drop into pools of water which looked to be wonderful for taking a dip in. If this sounds like your thing, then take some swimwear and a towel.
There is absolutely no phone signal anywhere. Even as I was driving in, for the last 30min or so, I had no signal. So make sure to look up anything you need before you arrive.
At Swinner Gill, there are some sections of waterfall further back which you can’t see from the trail. If you are up for exploring, then you can have a bit of a scramble up to see them. I had no idea they were there until I got home and looked at my photos. I could see them from a photo I took up the hill on the other side of the valley (it’s the first photo at the top of there page).

Logistics

Start/Finish: Muker
Where is it: Muker is located in the Swaledale area of the Yorkshire Dales. The very north part. Post code for the car park is DL11 6QG.
Public transport: Bus 30 runs between Richmond/Catterick Garrison and Keld (via Muker). You can see the latest timetable here (pick the Swaledale shuttle option).

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 2h
Difficulty: Mostly easy, with a moderate start

Terrain: Dirt trail, rocks, grass, gravel, maintained path, a couple of bridges.
Dog friendly: There is a lot of livestock about. No stiles.
Time of year: I did the walk in spring

Amenities: In Muker you have public toilets, a village store and tea shop, and the Farmers Arms pub. Half way through the walk, at East Gill Force, is the village of Keld, where you will find public toilets and a cafe.

A row of stone walled buildings on the roadside in Muker. The first building has a green sign saying 'village store', and there are lots of people sat outside. There is a stone wall around the village stream with bikes resting next to it.

Map for the circular walk from Muker

You can find my more detailed route map for the Muker circular walk on AllTrails

A guide to the circular Muker Waterfall Walk

If starting from the streetside in Muker, you want to walk past the village shop and tea room, then turn left up the side road. If starting from the car park, walk towards the village and turn right up the side road.

A road leading to the right, with the stone walled villages houses on the left side of it, in Muker.

A road split, with the left road leading uphill through the stoned walled houses. — This is the side road you go up

Continue up, following the road as it turns left and around the houses to the right, where you will find the footpath sign for Keld. Follow this.

A road leading past stone walled hoses, and a hill visible ahead, at the start of the walk out of Muker.

A green footpath signpost pointing left for Keld. The sign stands inferno of a stone wall, with stoned walled houses behind it.

Keep going on the main path, through the gate, then you begin your journey uphill.

A small road leading through the stone walled houses. Ahead there are green fields visible, and a Union Jack flag.

A gravel road leading up the hill, through a stone wall with a wooden fence. There is a stone walled shed on the other side of the wall on the right.

The big hill

It’s a bit of a slog up this hill, as you keep on the main path as it winds its way up. As you walk higher up, you will get a wonderful view back down to Muker and through the valley.

A gravel path winding up the grass hill, on the walk out of Muker. there is a stone shed up the hill on the right.

A gravel path winding up the grass hill to the right.

Looking down to the small village of Muker at the bottom of the valley, when walking up the hill.

Past the stone cottages, at the junction, turn right to follow the dirt trail on the side of the hill.

The wide path winding up the hill, with stone walls cutting across the hill, and a couple of stone walled sheds and houses ahead on the right.

People walking along a dirt trail leading up the gras hill. — This is the right trail after the stone cottages

Keep going up, then at the trail sign in the photo below, leave the main path to walk alongside the stone wall on the grass.

The dirt trail curving to the left, lined with a stone wall. There is a gap in the stone wall leading onto a grass trail straight ahead.

The corner of a stone wall in the green gras hill field. There is a wooden gate in the wall ahead.

Looking down onto the valley of green grass fields and trees, on the walk out of Muker. — The view looking back

When you reach the dirt trail, it will level off, and now you follow this all the way until you descend.

A thin trail on the hillside, with a stone wall on the right, and a view to the valley and hills ahead.

Walk along the hill side

This is my favourite section of the walk from Muker. The trail gently undulates, along a mix of grass, narrow dirt trail, rocks and more rocks. You have the most wonderful views down into the valley in both directions.

A widę grass trail on the hill side, with the dip in the valley ahead.

A grass trail with rocks on the left leading to a rocky cliff face.

A stone wall next to the path on the hillside, with a view down into the valley on the right, along the Muker circular walk.

A trail leading through a mass of rocks on the hillside.

At some point along here, you will start to hear the sound of the river and waterfalls down in the valley. I found it incredibly peaceful, and only passed a couple of others whilst up here.

Looking down into the valley with the river Swale snaking through it.

There was a part of me that was slightly nervous before heading out on this walk. Yesterdays walk was filled with anxiety, and a constant fear that I was in danger. It was completely random and out of character, so I didn’t really know what my mind would do with me today…

Today was perfect. I felt so happy and calm.

Head down into the valley

The trail will then takes you through a little woodland section as you start to descend. When you reach the trail sign, follow the arrow to the right, through the stone wall, and continue on the slow downhill.

A thin dirt trail on the steep hillside, with a mass of trees below on the right.

The dirt trail leading up the hill on the left, with a wooden trail signpost pointing right, down the hill. — Turn right here

A thin trail leading down along the hillside, with some people walking along it. There is a big tree on the right, with straggly branches leaning over the trail.

At the next wooden trail sign, follow the left arrow, deeper into the valley. If you look closely, you will get a peep of one of the waterfalls through the trees at the bottom.

A grassy undulating terrain with tree tops visible lower down the hill, and a hill rising up in the distance, along the Muker circular walk.

A wooden trail signpost next to a dirt trail. — Turn left here

A dirt path surround by grass, trees, and a hill leading up on the left.

Looking down through a gap in the trees to East Gill Force waterfall, part way through the walk from Muker. — One of there waterfalls

Along here you will reach a sign which directs you to the right to reach Kisdon Force. I didn’t take it, as I thought I might get to see it from the other side (you can’t). So go that way if you want to take a look.

Walk to East Gill Force

Staying on the main trail, it will lead you to some old railway tracks. I didn’t expect this, so it was a nice surprise.

A wide dirt path leading to a wooden gate. Past the gate there is a thin dirt trial leading up the hill, lined with a stone wall on the left, and trees and bushes to the right.

A dirt trail leading up the hill, with a moss covered stone wall on the left and a big tree on the right.

Looking down to the dirt trail, with old train tracks leading off it to the right. There is a wooden trail signpost at the junction.

(Note: If you want to go into Keld, stay straight on the main trail)

To get to the waterfalls, follow the tracks down the hill to the right and you will reach the first waterfall.

Looking down the old rail trail, through a gap in the trail on the walk towards East Gill force waterfall, at the halfway point in the walk from Muker. There is a wooden fence along the right side of the rail trail.

Looking over the river filled with rocks, to a waterfall cascading down the rocks into it. The waterfall and river is surround by trees with straggly branches.

If you go over the bridge, then continue straight, you will reach the next small one, then a little past there, the big star of the show.

A small waterfall cascading down the rocks, surround by leaning trees.

Usually I pick my spot for a snack break where there isn’t anyone else around. For the peace. But despite all the people, it was just so lovely here. So it suited me just fine.

Looking down towards East Gill Force Waterfall as it cascades down the rocks, at the half way point in the walk from Muker. There is a small grass field below, with lots of people sitting on it, looking at the waterfall. — I sat up here

Start the walk back towards Muker

The trail to walk back to Muker, is above the East Gill force waterfall. It’s very obvious, so you can’t miss it. The way back is pretty much all on a path like this.

A path winding ahead through the grass. there is a stone wall ahead, with lots of trees on the other side. There is a wooden trail signpost on the left side of the path next to the stone all, and people sitting on benches on the grass on the right.

A wide path winding around the hill ahead to the left. There is a view to trees tops and a hill ahead in the distance.

There is a bit of a surprise uphill to start, but it’s not long before it levels off, and takes you on a few curves along the hillside, with a lovely view into the valley both ways.

Looking down into the valley filled with trees, on the walk back towards Muker.

Just past the abandoned shed, you will reach the ruins of a tractor. I only know that’s what it is because I was listening to a group of people discussing it.

The ruins of a stone hut on the grass hill. The hill rises up higher beyond it, and is covered in orange fern.

The ruins of a tractor on the dirt rocky trail at the bottom of a gill.

To reach Crackpot Hall, I think the rugged left trail is what you need to take. As you are already here, I would go take a look.

Walk to Swinner Gill

To walk to Swinner Gill, follow the main trail, which will then take you further downhill, to reach some ruins. If you venture past the ruins to the left, you will reach the first of the waterfalls.

A rocky gravel path leading downhill. There is a dog on the path, a green hill bank to the left, with a tree leading down off it, and a wooden gate at the bottom.

Looking down towards stone walled ruins, a stone wall and a wooden gate in the wall, at the entrance to Swinner Gill.

Stone ruins leading towards Swinner Gill, on the walk back towards Muker.

To see the others, you need to somehow get over it. I wasn’t paying attention when I was there, but I don’t think there is a proper trail (and I can’t see one on the map). So you would need to scramble.

Continue walking to Muker

Over the bridge, continue on this main path, which will lead you down alongside the River Swale.

A bridge over the stream with the valley ahead.

(Make sure to look back of a lovely view into the valley behind).

Looking down through the valley with the River Swale running through it, when walking back to Muker. The valley is filled with trees and there are stone stone huts in the distance on the other side of the river.

You will now be following the river all the way to reach the bridge. I could see the trail on the other side of the river, which was quite busy. Surprisingly, this side was not. I picked the good side….or it could just be that people had started with a pub lunch in Muker, and were now heading off on the walk, with a plan to walk back on this side later.

A gravel path winding ahead at the bottom of the valley.

Looking through the valley, on the walk back to Muker. The valley with filled with trees and there are stone ruins of stone huts in the distance in the valley.

Looking down towards the River Swale and the bridge crossing over it. The bridge is partially hidden by tree branches.

To get to the bridge, take the right trail in the photo below. Then once on the other side, walk back along the river, and follow the sign for Muker through the stone wall.

A gravel path leading uphill with a small trail leading off it to the right.

Looking along the River Swale lined with rocks, and a hill rising up ahead, near the end of the Muker circular walk.

Grass on the left, and a wire fence on there right of it, with the river swale on the other side. There is a wooden trail signpost with a yellow arrow poitning ahead towards a stone wall.

A wooden trail signpost pointing left to Muker, near the end of the walk.

You will now be on a paved trail across the grass, which continues like this all the way back, through some stone walls (with gaps for thin people).

A thin paved path leading straight ahead, cutting through the large grass field.

More waterfall and river walks

I think the Yorkshire Dales might have the highest concentration of waterfalls in England (I don’t know this as fact, but I have seen more waterfalls out here than I have seen anywhere).

A couple of well known ones are Aysgarth and Hardraw Force. Both of these are fairly near Muker, and the walks to them are on the more gentle side.

The Gunnerside Gill walk I mentioned earlier, features a wonderful rocky river through the valley, with a few waterfalls with dipping pools along the way.

If you want big views, then I highly recommend Simon’s Seat and the Valley of Desolation. The Simon’s Seat part gives you the views, and the Valley of Desolation gives you the waterfall. It is located in the south of the Yorkshire Dales. Then right next to it, you have the Bolton Abbey walk. This is out and back along a river, via the Strid which is really beautiful when viewed from above.

I really enjoyed the walk from Grassington to Burnsall. This is also quite gentle, but does feature some views, a river and a series of falls.

One of the more famous walks out here, is this Malham Cove circular. This one features two impressive waterfalls, Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar. Due to it’s popularity, it can get quite busy, so it’s not the one to do if you want solitude.

Pin it for later: Muker Waterfall Walk

Waterfall and River, Muker walk guide, in North Yorkshire.