Kisdon Hill occupies a strategic defensive position at the head of Swaledale. Geographically, it's something of an oddity, since it appears to cleave the valley to either side. In reality, the Swale cuts a narrow cleft round the northern and eastern flanks, while the road cuts through the parallel valley of Straw Beck to south and west. The Swale allows for a gentle wander up the valley, starting with the celebrated meadows of Muker, before sneaking up the hill from the back, minimising steep climbing.
