Four people wearing black jackets with blue linings stand in front of a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush green trees.
Group of women swimming in a river with a waterfall in the background, surrounded by greenery.
People sitting on stepping stones across a river, surrounded by trees and hills under a blue sky.
Three hikers crossing a shallow stream on stepping stones, surrounded by greenery.
Group of hikers on a grassy hillside with trekking poles, surrounded by lush green landscape, hills, and partly cloudy sky.
Group of people hiking through a meadow with wildflowers on a cloudy day
People hiking on a grassy trail in a scenic countryside with lush hills and a cloudy sky.
Group of hikers walking on a grassy path beside a stone wall in a scenic rural landscape with green hills and a large tree under a cloudy sky.
Hotel room with two single beds and a third bed set at an angle, a nightstand with lamps, a window with plaid curtains, a wall-mounted TV, and a tea and coffee station on a dresser.
Cozy bedroom with two twin beds, decorative bedspreads, wall art, and bedside lamps.
Scenic view of a countryside path with stone walls, pink wildflowers, and ferns, leading to rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
Landscape with green rolling hills, stone walls, and a blue sky, featuring a garden area with ornate benches and a table in the foreground.
Group of people wearing branded jackets standing by a waterfall in a wooded area.

Updated Itinerary!

Walks and Dips: Wild Swimming and Walking - Yorkshire Dales

A relaxed, sociable break combining gentle walking and beginner-friendly wild dips in the heart of Swaledale. Perfect for slowing down, switching off, and discovering a quieter corner of the Yorkshire Dales.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Transport: Car-Free Experience
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely (with dips suitable for those new to dipping/wild swimming)
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

What to Expect on Your Walks & Dips Trip

Comfortable Guesthouse Stay: Enjoy two nights in a cosy, welcoming guesthouse with an open fire, guest lounge, and bar serving wine, local beers, and Yorkshire gins.

All Meals Sorted: Breakfasts and packed lunches are included each day. Evening meals are purchased separately at the B&B, with hearty, home-cooked dishes available to choose from.

Car-Free Experience: We offer free collection and drop-off at Garsdale Station. All local transport is included, making this an easy, car-free adventure.

Expert-Led Walks and Wild Swimming Dips: Two days of guided, leisurely walking in Swaledale, with the option for relaxed wild swims in scenic river pools. Whether you’re new to dipping or just want to try new spots, our supportive guides help you ease in at your own pace.

Friendly, Sociable Atmosphere: Designed with solo travellers and small groups in mind, this break is all about relaxed conversations, shared adventures, and unhurried time in beautiful surroundings.

 
 

Gentle Walks, Wild Dips and Swaledale’s Heritage

This break is about slowing down and enjoying the best of the Yorkshire Dales with good company. From the moment you arrive—whether you’re collected from the station or make your own way—you can relax knowing everything is taken care of.

This is a part of the Dales steeped in history, once home to lead mining communities and criss-crossed by old packhorse routes. The valley is known for its intricate dry-stone walls, traditional hay meadows, winding rivers, and timeless villages like Muker and Gunnerside.

We’ve planned the break to be as relaxed and supportive as possible. Walks are leisurely, with time for photos, café stops, and simply soaking up the views. Dips are completely optional, perfect for those curious about wild swimming but wanting to start gently.

You can dip as much or as little as you like. The calm river pools here make an ideal introduction to wild swimming.

Group of eight hikers standing on a trail with green rolling hills and a clear blue sky in the background.
Lush green hills with stone walls and small houses, under a clear blue sky, with trees framing the scene.
Group of hikers walking along a dirt trail through green grassy hills under a clear blue sky.
Green valley with stone houses, stone wall, and lush hills under a clear blue sky.
Three hikers walking along a dirt path through a green valley with trees, hills, and a stone wall under a clear blue sky.
Five women swimming in a natural pool with small waterfalls, surrounded by trees and rocks under a bright blue sky.
Group of five people hiking in a lush green landscape on a sunny day, standing on a narrow wooden bridge with trees, grass, and a stone wall behind them.
A scenic view of a river with small waterfalls, surrounded by lush green trees and cliffs, under a clear blue sky.

Suggested Itinerary

Please note: Routes and timings may change if the weather requires it, but we’ll keep you fully informed and adapt as needed.

  • Check in at Butt House from 15:00, settling into your cosy room and meeting your hosts, who are known for their warm Yorkshire hospitality. If you’re arriving by train, we’ll collect you from Garsdale Station at 17:00, making this a fully car-free experience.

    For those keen to get straight into the spirit of things, there’s an optional gentle pre-dinner dip around 17:30. This is a short, easy walk from the guesthouse to a nearby river pool—ideal for first-time dippers wanting a relaxed introduction to wild swimming.

    Afterwards, it’s back to Butt House for hot showers and a delicious evening meal (purchased at your own cost from the B&B’s menu). Enjoy a laid-back evening in the guest lounge or by the fire, with the bar serving wine, beers, and local gins. Your Large Outdoors host will also chat through the plans for the days ahead.

  • For early risers, we’ll offer another optional pre-breakfast dip in a calm local pool to wake you up gently and clear the mind.

    Breakfast at Butt House is a treat, with options ranging from a full cooked Yorkshire breakfast to salmon and scrambled eggs. We’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs with advance notice.

    Today’s walk is a leisurely 8-mile circular route starting straight from the door. We’ll head over Kisdon Hill for big Swaledale views before joining the Pennine Way down to Thwaite, where there’s a chance for a refreshment stop and toilets.

    From Thwaite, we’ll follow the river valley to the village of Muker. Famous for its traditional Yorkshire Dales charm, Muker is a great spot to explore galleries and cafés. The village is also renowned for its stunning wildflower meadows in summer, showcasing the traditional hay meadow management that’s part of Swaledale’s heritage.

    After our brew or wander in Muker, we’ll make our way back up the valley to Keld, passing through those rich wildflower meadows. Once back at Butt House, there’s the chance for a relaxed post-walk dip—ideal for cooling off or soothing tired legs.

    Dinner tonight is again at the guesthouse (purchased at your own cost), giving you another relaxed, sociable evening in the warm and friendly setting.

  • For those keen to make the most of the setting, there’s one last optional pre-breakfast dip this morning, a peaceful way to start the day.

    After another hearty breakfast, we’ll pack up and head out for our final walk. Today’s leisurely 7-mile route begins from Muker and follows the River Swale to Gunnerside. This gentle path is relatively flat, winding along the riverbank with classic Dales scenery all around.

    Gunnerside itself is a beautiful village with a rich lead-mining history and a welcoming local tearoom where we’ll pause for refreshments.

    We’ll then follow the same riverside route back to Muker, with time for another café stop if we can fit it in before we wrap up.

    We’ll say our goodbyes and return guests to Garsdale Station for trains home around 16:00.

Ladies in Large Outdoors Dry Robes about to dip in the Yorkshire Dales.

Why dip? Cold water benefits and what to expect

Taking a dip in a natural river pool can leave you feeling invigorated and refreshed – and the benefits go beyond the initial buzz. Many people find cold water dips help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost overall mood.

We’re not swimming laps – just short, simple dips in calm and scenic river spots, always with safety in mind. Our guides are there to support and encourage, especially if this is your first time.

Wetsuit or not? You’re welcome to dip in a wetsuit, a costume, or layers that feel right for you. We provide tow floats and dry robes if needed – just bring your swimwear, towel, and suitable footwear for getting in and out of the water safely. There’s a full kit list provided when you book.

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time:

    You are welcome to arrive from 3pm. Your Large Outdoors host will be ready to greet you and your fellow participants over a welcome dinner around 19:30 - we’ll be in touch to confirm timings and your pre-order nearer the time of your trip.

    Meeting Location:
    TBC

    Parking:
    There is free parking available at the accommodation.

    Public Transport:
    This is one of our car-free trips. While the accommodation isn’t directly accessible by public transport, we offer a free station pick-up and drop-off from Garsdale on the Leeds–Carlisle train line.

    We offer one group pick-up on the Friday at 17:00, and a return drop-off on Sunday afternoon (we aim to get you back to the station between 15:00–17:00, depending on the day's walk).

    Please note: Station transfers must be requested in advance when you book, as places are limited and we need to coordinate timings.

    You’re also welcome to drive and park at the accommodation if you prefer to make your own way. Full directions are provided after booking.

    Finish Time:
    We aim to finish on the final day between 15:00 and 17:00 - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc.

  • Accommodation Address:
    TBC

    Room Types:
    TBC

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ accommodation

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you and deal with the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on 2 days.

    • The chance to enjoy a number of dips in the local rivers.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door.

    • A hearty cooked breakfast each morning, prepared by the accommodation.

    • Packed lunches for Days 2 & 3, prepared by the accommodation.

    • Complimentary tea and coffee provided in your room at the accommodation.

    • Bedding and a towel - but don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Evening meals which are paid direct to the venue.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water is available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - the accommodation has a licensed bar if you wish to purchase alcohol.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    DON’T FORGET: to bring your chosen swim kit! And please remember to pop a towel in your rucksack/backpack too.

    Wetsuits - these are optional and you are free to decide if you wish to skin dip using swimwear, or to use a wetsuit. We do suggest having some sort of wetsuit boots for your feet though, as there can be some rocks etc. underfoot.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide meals with dairy* free ingredients - these options can be selected when booking. 
    *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.
    This particular experience offers a little more flexibility catering wise, as evening meals are taken at the accommodation, so please contact us if you’d like to check whether it is suitable for your dietary needs.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We do not provide any transport for this experience.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

Walkers enjoying the Yorkshire Dales.

Exploring the Yorkshire Dales

Swaledale is one of the most peaceful valleys in the Dales – far from the busier hotspots but just as rich in scenery. You’ll walk through flower-filled meadows, past ancient barns and dry-stone walls, with views over fells, moorland, and tumbling waterfalls.

This quieter area of the National Park is the perfect place to enjoy slower travel, wild swimming, and a sociable weekend in good company.

Location of our Walks & Dips - Yorkshire Dales