Richmond River Swale: Steep Drops and Slippery Rock Scrambles

After a brief taste of spring, the North Yorkshire weather decided to give me a reality check today. I headed to Richmond expecting a nice, sunny riverside stroll, but instead, I was met with overcast skies, thick clouds, and a persistent drizzle—a sharp reminder that we aren't quite done with the winter blues just yet.

The Heights and the Drops

This route is more demanding than it looks on paper. There are some seriously steep climbs to get the heart rate up, but it’s the narrow pathways that really catch your attention. Some sections have significant drops with absolutely no barriers.

In wet weather, these paths could easily become dangerous. Luckily, the ground was fairly dry today, so I managed to keep my footing—though I was definitely watching every single step!

The "Endless" Staircase

One of the highlights (or lowlights, depending on your legs) is a massive set of stone stairs leading down toward the river. As I was heading down, I couldn't help but feel a massive wave of relief that I wasn't doing this route in reverse. Those steps seem to go on forever!

Off-Path and Into the Swale

Once I reached the bottom, I somehow managed to veer off the main trail. I found myself navigating a stretch of large, mossy rocks right along the edge of the River Swale. They were incredibly slippery, and at one point, I nearly ended up in the water.

For most people, that’s a minor splash, but since I can’t swim, it was a genuine "life flashed before my eyes" moment! Ironically, this accidental detour was actually my favorite part of the walk. The climbing and the proximity to the rushing water made it so much more interesting than a flat path.

Verdict: A fantastic, adventurous walk. I’d definitely bring the kids next time because they would love the rock scrambling, but I’ll be waiting for a much drier day before we attempt it as a family!