Tan Hill, Thomas Gill Rigg, Robert's Seat and Low Brown Hill Loop

This 17 km / 10.6 mile loop is a fine Upper Swaledale moorland outing with roughly 400 m / 1,312 ft of ascent, starting near the Tan Hill Inn, Tan Hill, Reeth, Richmond, Swaledale, North Yorkshire Dales, DL11 6ED. The inn is a useful landmark for navigation and logistics, and it sits at about 528 m / 1,732 ft above sea level, making it the highest pub in Great Britain. (tanhillinn.com)

The route has a distinctly high-country feel despite its moderate length. Expect a mixture of exposed moorland, rough trods, grassy tracks, wetter ground around becks and gills, and easier sections on clearer rights of way lower down near Ravenseat and the Swale. A Medium rating is fair, but that assumes decent weather and solid hillwalking fitness. In mist, wind, heavy rain, or after prolonged wet spells, the walk can feel more serious because some of the higher sections are faint on the ground and the moor can become boggy. Several route descriptions for this area note that the crossing near Thomas Gill and the traverse around Robert’s Seat can be indistinct or pathless in places, so careful navigation is important; for planning and on-route checking, HiiKER is the tool to rely on. (walkingbritain.co.uk)

The opening section usually leaves Tan Hill across broad, open fell country where the landscape quickly becomes quieter and more spacious than many Yorkshire Dales walks. The terrain here is shaped less by limestone scars and more by peat, heather, rough grass, and old mining and packhorse lines. The first few kilometres are often the most committing psychologically: there are huge skies, long views, and very little shelter. On a clear day you can expect a sense of remoteness rather than technical difficulty; in poor visibility, bearings and line choice matter much more. (walkingbritain.co.uk)

What to expect on the high ground

Thomas Gill is one of the most memorable features on the loop. As you work toward it, the moor begins to break into steeper folds and water-cut channels, and the gill adds drama to an otherwise broad upland landscape. Depending on the exact line taken, you may encounter small cascades and a steeper pull beside the beck before gaining Thomas Gill Rigg. This is one of the places to watch footing carefully, especially after rain, when grass, peat edges, and stones can all be slick. (walkingbritain.co.uk)

From there, the route trends toward Robert’s Seat, one of the principal high points of the walk at around 549 m / 1,801 ft. The climb is not alpine-steep, but it is sustained enough to account for a good share of the day’s ascent. The ground around and beyond Robert’s Seat is often described as wet in places, with sections where the route contours rather than follows a strongly worn path. This is classic moorland walking: broad horizons, subtle route-finding, and a need to keep an eye on direction rather than expecting constant waymarks. (haroldstreet.org.uk)

Low Brown Hill adds another sense of height and openness rather than a dramatic summit moment. The appeal here is the sweep of the country: upper Swaledale below, the lonely moors around Tan Hill, and the feeling of moving between watersheds and old routeways. In good weather, this section can feel expansive and invigorating; in strong wind, it can be the hardest part of the day simply because there is so little protection. Carry full waterproofs even on a promising forecast, and be prepared for temperatures on the tops to feel notably colder than in the dale. (nydwalks.co.uk)

Landmarks, history, and the character of the area

Tan Hill itself is steeped in upland travel history. The inn has long served as a refuge on this high crossing country and dates to the 19th century; the current inn describes itself as established in 1840. Its location on the Pennine Way also gives the start and finish a strong long-distance walking atmosphere. (tanhillinn.com)

This region is also threaded with older transport and industrial history. Sources describing nearby