Parking: (Gunnerside) Village centre but limited.  

Refreshments: (Muker) Farmers Arms, Village Tearoom.  (Gunnerside) Kings Head, Gyhll Tearoom.

Toilets:  Muker, Keld, Gunnerside.

Consider the weather conditions, if the Beck is in flood, then take the access road to Bents and The Winterings. Guarded by a steel gate, this route to the East of the village is a right of way and a safer bet in bad weather. Not so today, the weather is good and the prospect of a long walk beckons. So leaving your car in the village centre cross the road bridge and immediately take the wide track on your left at the side of the beck. As you reach the entrance to an impressive stone house take the narrow path on your right and in a short distance pass through a stile gate to follow a water worn boulder strewn path. Entering a precious wooded area, Elias Stot Wood has recently been the focus of a regeneration project. It's trees Rowan, Birch and Holly ring out with the sound of bird song and underfoot Dogs Mercury, Anemone, Primroses Blue Bells and Violets abound. All have recently been protected with a ring of rabbit proof fencing.

The path runs parallel with the Beck weaving its way along the bank to a finger post, 'Gunnerside Gill' Woodland Path. Take this path as it climbs steadily traversing the steep valley side. There are one or two fallen trees, casualties of the January 2005 gales to negotiate around before descending toward the Beck and over a small railway sleeper foot bridge. Following the way marker posts and through several more stiles you stumble onto the first evidence of mining, a crushing mill, part of  A.D. Mining Company's extensive activity in this area. The path passes to the left of these ruins and over a stile to climb steadily away from the wooded valley side toward bracken covered banks. Rejoining a stone wall to your left continue your ascent but not before taking in a distant view of Botcher Gill and its waterfalls opposite. Continue along your route passing a stone cairn, crossing a couple of fell side streams and in a little under half a mile the remains of Bunting Mines is reached. There is evidence that this is a popular stop, strategically placed stones against the south facing walls of the old buildings provide both seat and backrest for a deserved break and a check of the map and the many paths in this area.

Having gained your bearings in approximately one hundred and fifty metres your confidence will be dashed as you come across a finger post pointing out three separate directions, Gunnerside, Surrender Bridge and Blakethwaite Dams. It's the latter you want but there are two paths directly in front of you, the higher and the lower, which do you take?. Well either will do because they both end up at the same point. My preference is however the lower path as it stays close to the beck. This straight forward clear path takes you in the direction of the next mining relics, Blakethwaite Smelt Mill to cross over the Beck on a single piece of stone of monolithic proportion. From here the track doubles back on the opposite bank for approximately fifty metres at which point you leave it for a faint path to climb uphill in a Westerly direction. As it hairpins its way through heather the path is so steep that it will have you kicking your toes into the damp ground for grip and taking a stop or two before the gradient begins to ease off and you follow frequent piles of stones that mark you route to eventually join the estate track to the left of a sheep fold. From here your route is well defined, so continuing in a Westerly direction you will pass a finger post marking Wainwright's Coast to Coast and in one hundred metres a junction. Disregard the track to your right and continue to a field gate. To your left across the moor is the tarn of Moss Dam. surrounded by heather it picks up the sun like a jewel in this dark landscape. Through the gate the track begins to descend, as it swings left and down toward Swinnergill, leave it to pick up a path on your right and from here follow the way marker posts into the Gill. Descend a steep path until you reach the old mine buildings and the site of a former Kirk. Continue on your route, cross over the beck bridge and within a few metres you will see a path off to your left, this is the descent into the Gill. This section requires concentration as the path is narrow and exposed, a simple slip would almost certainly result in a serious injury. Descend this narrow path as it weaves its way over boulders to join the beck. Using the boulders as stepping stones, cross over and climb out on a path that levels and skirts the steep gill side to cross a stile into Bracken covered ground. Follow this path until you reach Arngill Wood and use it's post and wire fence to guide you down the steep grass bank to the stone track below. Turn left and continue along this track in an Easterly direction as it follows the river for approximately one mile. At Ramps Holme footbridge you have the choice to follow the river path or stay on the track as stone turns to tarmac, this very quiet road passes Calvert Houses (Travellers Rest, a former inn) and the imposing Gunnerside Lodge also many keepers cottages to give uninterrupted views of Swaledale before dropping into Gunnerside and the start of your walk.