Kisdon Circular from Thwaite to Keld.   An easy 6.5 miles with some walking on the Pennine Way route with stunning views of the fells and the villages of Angram and Keld. There are three paths to choose from on your return from Keld. Try mine or choose yourself, they all lead back to Thwaite.

Muker Swale Gorge to Keld, Crackpot Hall and Swinner Gill. A beautiful walk  on part of the Pennine Way path above the river Swale, 6.4 miles of easy walking. If you take in Swinner Gill after visiting the ruins of Crackpot Hall, the path on the east side of the Gill is a little exposed. Follow the riverside and cross the foot bridge back to Muker.

Gunnerside Gill Circular, to Blakethwaite Dams. A 6.7 mile walk starting along a leafy tree lined path against the beck, opening out into this deep valley where extensive remains of lead mining can be seen. After visiting the dams cross the beck at Blakethwaite Smelt Mill and return high on the valley side along Jingle Pot Edge.

Reeth High Moor Round from Surrender Bridge. This 5.4 mile circular walk starts high in the fells at the Old Gang Beck bridge. You are sure of extensive views of Arkengarthdale and far beyond on the return leg. An easy reasonably level walk that includes a section of Wainwright's Coast to Coast. There are many paths on this high moorland that can be linked to this walk but plan your route before you start.

Pennine Way, Hawes, Thwaite and Great Shunner Fell. This is a committed walk of nearly 10 miles, an ascent over High Abbottside and on to the summit of Great Shunner Fell.  Transport or the bus from Thwaite via the Buttertubs for Hawes on Tuesdays at 10-37 is needed. This is an excellent walk on some of the highest and remotest fells in the Dales. Prepare well, for it will put your mountain craft and navigation skills to the test in poor weather.

Reeth, Langthwaite Circular along Fremington Edge. When you stand on the Green at Reeth a small white cottage high on the hillside catches your eye. This is on your 8.5 mile route toward the limestone scars and extensive views of Arkengarthdale. Then on to Booze and Langthwaite. Your return is along a tree lined Arkle Beck with King Fishers, Dippers and wild Brown Trout, on through meadows bursting with flowers and herbs.

Reeth, Swale Suspension Bridge and Harkerside. This open moorland across the Swale, beyond the site of Maiden Castle fort is all heather and Grouse. A 6.5 mile circular walk on footpaths and bridleways, with a short stretch on tarmac that returns you to Reeth through the ancient village of Grinton. Many paths crisscross Harkerside Moor, you can easily extend your walk if you wish with a visit to the restored Smelting Mill at Grinton.

Langthwaite, Slei Gill and Booze Moor. From Langthwaite ascend the Gill that narrows towards the top and then squeezes you out onto Booze Moor to share heather and solitude with Red Grouse and Roe Deer. This short walk, 5 miles, is a stunner if you want some peace and quiet

Gunnerside Muker, Two Gills Circular. If you're feeling fit take the Lownathwaite track across the high fells to combine Swinner Gill with Gunnerside Gill making this a 9.5 mile walk to remember. There is still evidence of the former mines that will have you searching for 'Fools Gold' and fossils. Stand for a minute and just marvel how so many miners could work in such a remote and forbidding place

Nine Standards Rigg. 4 miles of  remote moorland footpath starting high on the North Yorkshire, Cumbria border. These monumental stone cairns are worth the walk alone. On fairly featureless fell covered with Cotton Grass, you need good navigation skills if the cloud drops in, so be careful . Choose the right day and you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lake District Fells that will draw you back many times.

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There are many more walks in Swaledale and these are just a few to enjoy. I walk them fairly regular and still set out with the same enthusiasm and expectation I had on my very first trip. These are walks that offer up something different every time if you are prepared to take in the surroundings, for they are walks that exercise your senses as well as your legs and you will never tire of them.

Check out Yorkshirebaz's Walkers Diary

You're responsible for your own safety and others in your care. The high fells are remote areas to be treasured and enjoyed but beware for all their beauty that entices you, a sudden change in the weather makes them a serious undertaking, and there isn't a Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team for nothing. Let someone know your intentions and if possible walk with a companion. Equip yourself well with the correct clothing and footwear. Carry food and a drink and your best friends, an Ordnance Survey Map, a compass or GPS and the knowledge of how to use them. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) will tempt you into open access land. Be aware that heather can be difficult to walk in. Look out for boggy areas, sink holes and old mine workings (shafts) that may be hidden. Cattle may not be used to walkers, particularly those with dogs. If cattle approach let go of your dog or better still use an alternate route. 

For more information on CRoW, the Moorland Visitor's Code and the signs and symbols recently installed on footpaths by National Park Rangers, visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk