Tan Hill Inn Analysis

Two well-known footpaths are used during this strenuous hill walk, crossing wild moorland and peat bogs. Exceptional panoramic views and refreshments at the Tan Hill Inn are some of the rewards.

Situated at the head of the dale, Keld is the last settlement of any size in Swaledale. It takes its name from the Norse ‘Kelda’ meaning spring or stream, which is very apt because Keld is abundant with water. Wain Wath Force, East Gill Force, Catrake Force and the spectacular Kisdon Force are all within a short distance of the village.

In the 1890s Richard Alderson, known locally as ‘Neddy Dick,’ was climbing near Kisdon Force when he dislodged a rock. This struck another rock with a musical sound. Realising different stones produced different notes

This leads across the river Swale and passed the attractive waterfall of East Gill Force to reach East Stonesdale Farm. From here we continue over wild moor­land to the Tan Hill Inn, which is Great Britain’s highest inn, standing at 1732 feet (528m) above sea level.

The Tan Hill Inn is surrounded by a bleak moorland wilderness 4½ miles (7km) from Keld, the nearest village. Tan Hill has not always been so isolated. It was formerly on the cross­roads of packhorse routes and drove roads. Later the Reeth to Brough turnpike was constructed to transport coal from the mines close by. Coal was mined at Tan Hill from the thirteenth century until 1932. The inn was once known as the King’s Pit House, taking its name from a nearby coal pit. Licensing hours were at times dictated by need rather than the law. ‘Refuse no-one at Tan Hill,’ the justices ordered one landlord.

The inn is probably most famous for having featured in a television commercial for Everest Double Glazing, with the late Ted Moult. After walking through high winds to the inn and dropping a feather inside the newly installed windows, he picked up a pint of beer and said, ‘This is the only draught you get in here’. The same feather and a photo­graph, signed by Ted Moult, were displayed in the bar for almost thirty years until they were stolen in