It’s easy to get active in Swaledale, with the stunning environment as the perfect backdrop to a whole range of outdoor pursuits.
Walking
With the famous Coast-to-Coast National Trail literally outside the front door of Overdale Cottage, Marrick is perfect for walkers. Overdale Cottage and its iconic sundial even gets a mention in Wainwright’s much loved guidebook.
The Coast-to-Coast path is just one of countless trails on your doorstep – with scenery, distances, and levels of ease or difficulty to suit all tastes.
Stargazing
Wrap up warm, grab a flask of hot chocolate (or something stronger!), and sit back to enjoy the most stellar light show imaginable. Marrick has Dark Skies status and if you’re lucky on a clear night you’ll see the Milky Way, numerous constellations, meteors and over 2000 twinkling stars!
Cycling
North Yorkshire’s cycling credentials are well known with some of the most breathtaking rides in the world. The famous Buttertubs Pass - an iconic challenge for cyclists around the world – is within peddling distance. And with great facilities for cyclists of all abilities at the Dales Bike Centre just 2 miles from Overdale Cottage (including bike/electric bike rentals and a wonderful café), there’s no better place to get in the saddle.
Horse Riding
Riding Schools in Reeth (3 miles away) and Richmond (8 miles away) can help arrange days in the saddle on some of the country’s most beautiful bridal paths for horse lovers of all ages.
Adventure Pursuits
Underground, overground or floating free on the river. The Swaledale Outdoor offers all kinds of adventure activities, including Caving and Pot Holing, Rock Climbing and canoeing. The Club can be joined for a small fee. See their website for more information.
Wensleydale Heritage Railway
For a more leisurely way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Swaledale and beyond, jump on the Wensleydale Heritage Railway which runs trips from nearby Redmire to Scruton in the Vale of Mowbray. See their website for operating dates.
