The Swaledale valley road (B6270) is ploughed, so many of the huge number of footpaths are accessible even when the fell roads are blocked. Here are riverside tours suitable for absolute beginners as well as for the more experienced in snowy conditions.

From Feetham (start from the Punchbowl Inn), climb steeply up the Blades road (rarely ventured by vehicles when under snow). Although the initial 100m vertical is gained in only 600m of road, this is the only significant climb of the tour, so once out onto the hillside you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Continue along the road which soon changes to a grassy track above the small scars to the south. This track is skiable in the most marginal of snow cover. Although the map shows the bridleway descending over the scar, in reality it continues to the gate ahead. Continuing level leads to Barf End and routes to Winterings and Melbecks Moor, but Gunnerside is reached by descending open slopes to the left (but taking care to stay above the walls at Heights).

Skiing down towards Gunnerside from above
Heights leaving Flint (the dog) bemused

This slope can be dealt with by a series of linked traverses even on basic kit, while the expert will link turns down the slope. Enter a narrower track, with a loose surface under the snow - gentle snowplough braking is probably best here, though the gradient is nothing to worry about. The narrow section emerges over a small bridge to another open slope. The track can be followed steeply down this, or the open area used to link traverses or turns. The final short steep section of track down to the road has a gate to catch the uncontrolled - this last 15m can be descended on foot if it is too intimidating or snow conditions are poor.

Follow the main road through the village, either on foot or skiing on the verges. Cross the road bridge over Gunnerside Gill and ski south until the Gill can be crossed back to join the riverside path, or alternatively stay on the east of the beck through a series of narrow stiles (very sporting if skis not removed !). Whichever way, head down on the path to the north bank of the Swale and follow this east, back down the valley. In good conditions, there will be spectacular icicles on the steep south bank of the river. The path continues easily enough through a small wood and back along the riverbank south of Strands. Another brief stretch along the edge of the road follows, then across the flood plain again. Sometimes a sporting cornice tops the steep bank up from the island just before Isles Bridge, and the stile onto the road will require ski removal by all but the most determined. Turn left up to the main road, and cross this heading left to another short steep climb up the public footpath leading to the track down from Smarber. This provides a pleasant, if narrow, schuss down into Low Row, where a grassy bank can be followed above the road almost all the way back to the starting point.
Award yourself a pint to relax !

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