Fremington Edge

This commanding limestone escarpment towers over Reeth, offering a dramatic, craggy barrier between Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. The terrain is a mix of gritstone walls and limestone scree, providing an exhilarating high-level ridge walk with expansive views across the patchwork fields of the Dales toward the rounded bulk of Calver Hill.

• •The name Fremington is derived from Old English, likely meaning 'the settlement of the Fremi people,' while 'Edge' accurately describes the three-mile escarpment that defines the local skyline.
• •The slopes below the crags are heavily scarred by the lead mining industry; walkers will pass 'hushings,' which are deep, man-made gullies created by releasing torrents of dammed water to strip away topsoil and expose mineral veins.
• •From the summit trig pillar, the view south-west offers a perfect perspective of the classic Swaledale 'V' shape, while on a clear day, the distinctive white radome of Great Dun Fell can be spotted on the distant North Pennine horizon.
• •The ridge provides an essential topographical link between the two dales, serving as the high-altitude boundary where the more intimate Arkengarthdale meets the broader expanse of Swaledale.
• •While the initial climb from the valley floor is undeniably steep, the 'Edge' itself is remarkably level once attained, allowing you to focus entirely on navigating the gritstone boulders rather than catching your breath.