Activities

• Swinton Bivouac

  Druids Temple

  The Druid’s Temple is one of Yorkshire's most interesting follies, in the woods, located near Leighton Reservoir with the surrounding moorland and Yorkshire Dales landscape. Within the woodland there are a number of other standing stones, and the site is of particular appeal to walkers, families and bird watchers. The temple is just a short walk from Bivouac's reception, and easy to find with a public footpath that leads from the road to the main site of the folly. There are a number of walking trails within the woodland which Swinton Estate allows walkers to use on a permissive use basis.

• Swinton Bivouac Bike Centre

  Mountain Biking

  With the success of the Grand Départ for the Tour de France in Yorkshire, cycling has never been more popular. Part of the Tour de France route runs through Swinton Estate between Hawes and Ripon, so you can try it out for yourself!

  With 20,000 acres of farmland and moorland, Swinton Estate provides a wonderful base for a cycling trip, whether for a day, weekend or a short break. It offers a variety of inclines and terrain, from steep moorland tracks to winding country lanes, all with incredible views across rolling countryside into the Dales.

  Bikes are available for hire from the Bivouac Visitor Centre along with maps of our bike trails. Rucksack picnics can also be made to order for you to enjoy along the way. Bike Hire Charges: Adult bikes: £10 per hour, per bike & Child's bikes (aged 12 and under): £8 per hour, per bike. Electric bikes: £15 per hour, per bike or £25 per hour for two bikes.

• Bivouac Bird of Prey Centre

  Falconry

  The aviary at Swinton Bivouac is home to Owls and Hawks. Activities include Taster Experiences, Hawk Walks, Family Falconry, Owl Experiences and Photography with Birds of Prey.

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• Getting Active

  Walking and Running Trails

  There is a wide range of walks and running trails available on Swinton Estate. With miles of footpaths available, the options range from a leisurely stroll beside the River Ure to a trek up onto the moorland. Guests at Swinton Park (day or resident) can also enjoy walks within the beautiful landscaped parkland, with lakes, woodland and a four acre kitchen garden.

• The Great Outdoors

  Fly Fishing

  Leighton Reservoir is a 105 acre, 90ft deep fly-only bank fished reservoir, stocked with rainbow trout from the nearby trout farm on the Swinton Estate. It is a few miles from Masham and a short drive/lovely walk from Bivouac. The reservoir is surrounded by the moorland Dales and enjoys fabulous views. Facilities include a lodge, toilets, parking and disabled facilities. Leighton is included in the Trout Fisherman Magazine’s “Troutmaster’s Water” competition. 80 of the fish caught in 2011 were 10lb or over, with 11,865 caught in total at a rod average of 2.97.

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• The Great Outdoors

  Shooting

  The Estate offers a beautiful mixture of heather moorland and deep valleys that produce some of the best grouse, partridge, pheasant and duck shooting in the country, and the Warren Gill Shooting School offers an excellent choice of drives for all standards of clay pigeon shooting, providing tuition at every level.

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• Swinton Country Club and Spa

  Discover Your Personal Definition of Wellbeing

  Treat yourself to some well deserved rest and relaxation. Swinton Country Club and Spa has an 18 metre indoor swimming pool and a hydrotherapy pool, whilst outdoors on the pool terrace there is a cedar hot tub and a 10 metre natural pool. Spa heat rooms include an aroma steam room, a salt steam room and a Finnish sauna, as well as an alfresco sauna tucked away in the garden next to a fire pit, perfect for a hide-away with friends. Spa Days are available, with spa treatments available with trusted spa brands Elemis and Bamford.

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• The Great Outdoors

  Riding & Trekking

  The Swinton Estate offers pony trekking and lessons at the Trekking Centre adjacent to the Swinton Park hotel 2 miles from Bivouac. The Masham Riding and Treking Centre is adjacent to Swinton Park Hotel. The centre provides trekking and basic riding lessons in an outdoor arena. There are 18 horses and ponies of which most are pure bred highlands, but they also have Welsh mountain ponies and a Shire horse, all of which have a friendly disposition. The riding centre deals with all levels of riding skill and all ages of rider. Pony rides, lessons and treks are available for children (with or without lead reins) and adults. Prices vary depending on what you want to do so it’s best to contact the Masham Riding & Trekking Centre directly.

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