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.

No Dates Currently Online

This trip is not currently scheduled, but we may bring it back in the future.In the meantime, you can explore our full range of walking holidays, walking breaks and wild swimming adventures via the Large Outdoors Trip Calendar:
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/trip-calendar

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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.