There’s something special about a drive through the Yorkshire Dales - where winding roads, rolling hills, and timeworn stone bridges lead you gently from one breathtaking view to the next. On this route, the journey is made even better with well-earned stop-offs at The CB Inn and The Punch Bowl Inn along the way, offering a chance to rest, refresh, and soak up the local charm.

To entire route is around 35 miles, so you’ll likely need to dedicate a whole morning or afternoon (depending how long your breaks are), but it can be broken up into smaller segments across multiple drives if you’d prefer to dedicate an hour or two at a time.

Start in Reeth

Begin in the picture-perfect village of Reeth, with its wide green and cobbled streets. Crossing Reeth Bridge, you leave behind the gentle bustle of the village and follow the road as it winds its way into the quieter, hidden beauty of Arkengarthdale.

Head into Arkengarthdale

As you reach Arkletown, you’ll cross Fore Gill Bridge; a sturdy old stone bridge that feels perfectly at home in its surroundings. Originally built around the 18th century as part of an old turnpike route linking Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, it has long been an important crossing in this remote landscape. More recently, the bridge underwent a careful rebuild after partially collapsing during severe storms in 2023, with much of the original stone reused to preserve its traditional character.

From here, the landscape opens out into something altogether more peaceful and remote; a quiet, expansive stretch of the Dales where you’ll likely see more rabbits than people.

Passing through Langthwaite, a wonderfully untouched village, you’ll come across the bridge over the Arkle Beck. With its gently flowing water and weathered stone, it’s the kind of spot that invites you to pause for a moment and simply take it all in.

Pause at The CB Inn

The CB Inn feels like a natural break in the journey. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Dales, it’s a warm, welcoming place that has long offered rest to those travelling through this wild and beautiful landscape.

If you have time, wander down to the nearby bridge leading towards Scar House, a quiet, tucked-away crossing that many people pass by, but one that perfectly captures the stillness and charm of the area.

Explore Further Afield

Continuing on, turn towards Barnard Castle and cross Eskeleth Bridge, its solid stone arches standing firm against the rushing water below.

The route then gently meanders through open countryside to Whaw Bridge, where the views stretch wide and uninterrupted, and the only sounds are the wind and the occasional call of curlews overhead.

Heading towards Tan Hill, you’ll cross Beck Crooks Bridge, surrounded by vast, open moorland. There’s something wonderfully raw and untouched about this stretch, a real sense of peace.

Drive through Muker & Gunnerside

Descending towards Thwaite and on to Muker, you’ll reach Muker Bridge, set within one of Swaledale’s most picturesque villages, where life still feels closely tied to the land.

A short detour brings you to Ivelet Bridge, an especially striking and slightly mysterious spot. Local legend tells of a ghostly headless dog said to wander here, adding just a hint of intrigue to an already atmospheric setting.

From there, continue to Gunnerside and cross Gunnerside Bridge, a quietly impressive structure in a village once shaped by its mining past.

Take a break at The Punch Bowl Inn

Continue your drive into Low Row and stop off at The Punch Bowl Inn in for a well-deserved brew and slice of homemade cake.

Visit some famously filmed bridges

Refuelled and re-energised, turn immediately left and head across the moors to Surrender Bridge, which featured in the recent Wuthering Heights film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

Carry on over the moors to the Watersplash Bridge, most notably recognised from hit television series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.

Homeward bound

As the route leads you back into Arkengarthdale, there’s a gentle sense of having stepped away from the modern world, following old routes, crossing historic bridges, and soaking in the quiet beauty of the Dales.

If you’re hungry after all that driving, feel free to pop back into The CB Inn for a hearty meal before heading home.