Paddling in the river at Rampsholme Bridge in Muker

Muker Circular

This mini wander is the perfect circular for little legs.

Starting and ending in the gorgeous village of Muker in Swaledale, the views are to die for! Plus the walk will take you to a riverside picnic and paddle spot too and there’s a pub at the end!

Have you ever been to Muker?

A stunning village located in the Northernmost reaches of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Yet for such a tiny village it’s got some pretty interesting associations! In fact the King himself wears gloves handmade in Muker…

But Royal associations aside, Muker is a STUNNING place to be in the Dales. Surrounded by the glorious high moorland of Swaledale, the pretty village is a great place to begin and end a walk, with a fabulous local pub serving tasty grub. So of COURSE you want to walk it!

This circular takes you to a fabulous picnic and play spot at Rampsholme Bridge.

This is intended as a guide only and should be used in conjunction with a map.

The gate onto the path with views of Swaledale in the background
Walking along the track heading back into Muker

Walk details for Muker Circular

Distance: 1.5 miles

Terrain: Easy footpaths, well signposted, little ascent 100 feet.

Parking: Muker village centre

Public Transport? There is a bus service running to Muker, but this is subject to a seasonal timetable, so check out the Dales Bus website for more information.

Dog Friendly? Yes

Location: Muker, Swaledale Yorkshire Dales National Park

Map: OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern and Central areas

What 3 Words: parking - bouncing.couple.scrambles

Toilets/ Baby Change: Muker

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Muker

The views across Swaledale

How to walk to Rampsholme Bridge from Muker

Directions (to be used alongside a map)

  1. Beginning at the car park, head into the centre of the village to the Muker Village Store. To the right of the building, there is a narrow residential road, head up this. You will see the little church on your right hand side. Continue straight on through the village until you reach the lane leading out of the buildings on the northernmost point.

  2. You will see a grit bin, and a footpath sign next to it pointing out of the village. Take this path. It leads to a further footpath sign and follow the path as it heads through several fields until it reaches the river.

  3. Here, on your right, you will see Rampsholme Bridge. If the conditions are right, you can get down to the edge of the water and fossil hunt and if you cross the bridge there are some excellent picnic spots on the far bank. Once you have explored, head back over the bridge and then turn right. Head along the edge of the water for a short distance, keeping it on your right.

  4. At the farm building after around 300 yards turn of the main track and take the path that heads left around the back of the building and onto a walled track heading back in the direction of Muker.

  5. This will lead you all the way back into the village where you began.

Last walked in August 2022

Rampsholme Bridge near Muker
Finding fossils in the water at Rampsholme Bridge

What’s cool for kids on the Muker Circular?

It’s a short one, but for 1.5 mile you’ll get

💦 Splash and paddle spots (be aware that the water levels rise and fall quickly and there are strong currents. Always supervise children around wild water and if in doubt, do not enter. Any water play is at your own risk)

🥪 Picnic spots by the river

🍇 There are blackberry picking spots too in the late summer.

🌳 Want more ideas to beat the walking whinge? Why not check out our walking games? Or you can download one of our free printable scavenger sheets.

The path heading from Muker towards Rampsholme Bridge

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! These walks are intended as a guide only and are undertaken at your own risk. The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. If in doubt, turn back. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS or your phone alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Walking along the path back into Muker
Swimming in Wain Wath Waterfalls

Loving the Swaledale area?

We have loads of walks in the Swaledale area, but if you’re after waterfalls, why not try our Keld watefalls walk?

This walk takes in all of the waterfalls in the Upper Swaledale area, with great paddle and swim spots too!

Perfect for the Summer!

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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