Heatherdene is set in an elevated position in a small hamlet overlooking the beauty of Swaledale in the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. In a wonderful countryside setting yet a short drive to Hawes and Richmond which are both wonderful market towns boasting great local amenities and many tearooms, shops and museums.   

For walkers, Low Row is along the route of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk or you can join the Pennine Way at Tan Hill for a challenging section of this infamous route. The 10km circular walking route from Aysgarth Falls is also not to be missed. Take in the triple flight waterfalls before heading through the woodland across the rolling countryside to Bolton Castle, one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles, to take in the glorious views across the Wensleydale Valley.

Mountain bikers are also fully catered for with the Swale Trail cycle way close by, a valley bottom route 12 miles in length and there are bike hire, cafes and places to stop along the way which makes is a wonderful day out for all the family.

Swaledale is one of the most northerly of the dales and has some of the wildest, most unspoilt scenery in the National Park. Keen walkers will take particular delight in Heatherdene’s location with walking trails in virtually every direction from the doorstep including Wainwright's Coast to Coast Trail which crosses the breadth of the North of England, passing through the mountainous Lake District, the rolling Yorkshire Dales and the heather-clad North York Moors along the way. For something different, why not enjoy meeting the local friendly alpacas from Hazel Brow and take them for a gentle trek amongst the glorious scenery of Swaledale.

With the charming Punch Bowl Inn on the doorstep of Heatherdene you don’t need to venture far for delicious local fayre, however, with so many options in this part of the county, it would be a shame not to take advantage. While out and about exploring the wonderful countryside you should take a trip to the award-winning pub and restaurant The Wensleydale Heifer. This family-run restaurant prides itself on its locally sourced ingredients and boasts an interesting Guinness World Record! A little further and you will find The Blue Lion, an 18th-century inn offering delicious cuisine and a warm Yorkshire welcome.

The annual Swaledale Festival of music and arts takes place at quirky venues ranging from tiny chapels to heritage sites throughout the area. The events range from core classical music concerts, through other musical genres such as jazz, folk and brass band to poetry, film and drama so there is truly something for everyone.

Cyclists are equally well catered for with an impressive array of on and off-road routes in the area including the Swale Trail, a picturesque ride up Swaledale on easy-going trails that shadow the River Swale. Should you need to hire bicycles during your stay then the Dales Bike Centre is less than five miles from Heatherdene and can provide both equipment and guides. Here you will find the hub of road cycling in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the trails here offer the highest concentration of quality bridleways, tracks and rideable trails anywhere in the Dale.  The only question is whether you pluck up the courage to attempt the climb to the summit of Buttertubs Pass!

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is the home of the three peaks and mile upon mile of picturesque footpaths, alongside outstanding scenery, unspoilt countryside, diverse wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage.

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