Arkengarthdale

Arkengarthdale is the northernmost of the Yorkshire Dales, and is a subsidiary dale to Swaledale, which it joins at Reeth, the capital of these two dales. Running through its valley is Arkle Beck, joining the Swale at Reeth.

Originally called Arkils Garth, Arkengarthdale is said to be named after Arkil, an 11th century Viking chieftain. Arkengarthdale is famed for being featured in the mini-series ‘A Woman of Substance’, and the TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, based around the books of the Yorkshire vet, James Herriot. The little bridge in Langthwaite is shown in the credits, as is the watersplash, found on the tiny road over the fell between Arkengarthdale and Low Row in Swaledale.

If you are in a car, follow the upper Swaledale Dales Trail, from Reeth towards the Tan Hill Inn (and then down through Swaledale, back to Reeth) - bleak, remote, but quite magnificent.