Old Gang Smelting Mill and Bunton Crushing Mill loop from Surrender Bridge

This moderate loop trail usually takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete, covering approximately 15 kilometers. This duration can vary based on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the historical sites.

The trail typically starts from Surrender Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There is parking available near the bridge, which serves as a convenient trailhead for this circular route.

The terrain is varied, featuring wide-open moorland, good tracks, and gravel paths. While generally accessible, some sections have uneven ground, especially around the old mining areas. You'll encounter gentle, long ascents and descents rather than steep climbs. Sturdy walking boots are highly recommended for comfort and stability.

This route is rich in industrial history. You'll explore the extensive ruins of the 18th and 19th-century lead mining industry, including the well-preserved Old Gang Smelt Mill Ruins, its chimney, and stone-built flues. Further along, you'll find the Bunting Level Crushing Mill Ruins and other mine entrances. For views, the Winterings Stone Barns at Low Scar offer sweeping vistas across the moorland and down to the Swale valley.

Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer can be lovely, but some parts of the route are exposed with little shade, which can be challenging on a hot day. Winter hikes are possible but require careful planning due to potentially harsh weather conditions, including snow and ice on the exposed moorland.

Yes, this trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it passes through open moorland and agricultural land, dogs should be kept under close control or on a lead, especially during lambing season or when livestock are present. Always follow the Countryside Code.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike this trail within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Access to the footpaths and historical sites is free. However, please respect the natural environment and historical structures.

Yes, this route intersects with several other well-known paths. Approximately 41% of the trail overlaps with the Coast to Coast Walk (Shap to Richmond), and about 38% follows sections of the Herriot Way. A smaller portion, around 5%, is also part of the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway.

This hike is classified as 'moderate'. While not overly steep, its length and the varied, sometimes uneven, terrain require a good level of fitness and sure-footedness. It's a rewarding challenge for those comfortable with longer walks.

While there are no facilities directly on the trail, the nearby village of Reeth, a short drive from Surrender Bridge, offers pubs and cafes where you can refuel after your hike. It's advisable to carry all necessary food and drink for the duration of the walk.

The Old Gang Smelting Mill is considered one of the best-preserved 18th and 19th-century lead smelting mills in Northern England. It's designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument, offering a unique and atmospheric glimpse into the region's significant industrial heritage and the lives of the miners who worked there.