Circular Walk from Hardow near Hawes

Quite a different walk for us, why have we never found this route before? But what a beautiful walk too, about seven miles, a good pull up to the moor but then it’s all level going and down hill of course back to Hardrow. The views are quite sensational and well worth stopping on the way up to take it all in, Penhill, Addlebrough, Wether Fell and others, and along the moor glimpses of Buckden Pike, Ingleborough inbetween the hills. Hardrow is famous for Hardrow Force, claimed to be England’s highest unbroken waterfall with a single drop of 100 feet.

We set off from Hardrow but the route takes us way up onto the moor so please do wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Plan the route beforehand and pack the map, GPS, compass and always take plenty to drink and eat.

Plenty of parking in Hardrow then make your way to the Green Dragon. Here, opposite the pub, you will see a lane going off take this, SD 86744 91214, then head south east towards Hawes along the flagged path. Down through the fields eventually coming out onto the road between Hardrow and Hawes. Once on to the road turn right then follow the road for a few yards to the next stile on the left, SD 87743 90525, through here, over the pack horse bridge and start to climb coming out on the road between Hardraw and Askrigg. Cross the road and diagonally right you will see another stile, through here, keeping to the lower path on the right follow to come out on the road to Sedbusk at Paddock Cottage, SD 88383 91049.

Up the hill and into Sedbusk, a tiny hamlet snuggled onto a level piece of ground with a pretty green surrounded by cottages. Pass the phone box and at the last house start to climb along the track, Shutt Lane. Now dig deep and keep going, ignore the path off to the left at SD 88839 91559, our route is straight on. The views begin the unfold and on a clear day, which it was for us, are totally breathtaking. Onward to Little Fell Clint and past Smuker Hill on your left, what wonderful names, keep to the wall side and then swing round to the left, west. You’re nearly to the top now and deserve a breather and very conveniently there are a couple of large stones to perch on, perfect timing.

Onward to pass North Rakes Hill and keep going along this well made up track on the side of Abbotside Common and Stags Fell. Here you’re on top of the world, amazing, truly, eventually coming out onto the road between Simonstone and Buttertubs, SD 86581 93672. If you would like to make the walk a little shorter then cut down the track at Pike Stack, SD 87110 93030 and Hungry Well, again coming out onto the road. Turn left once on the road and follow the road to the cattle grid, again there is a convenient place to stop with a bench to sit on to enjoy the view. Follow the road downhill till you see a finger post on the right pointing seemingly in the wrong direction for our walk but this is quite right, SD 86720 92498. Through here, round a little building, into another field and follow the path down the side of the wall to a stile at the bottom. Through here, so pretty next to the stream, and follow to come out just above Simonstone at High Shaw.

If you would like to walk through Shaw Gill Wood then turn right on the narrow road and walk down hill. Soon the path to take you into the wood appears, onto here walking south east. Again it’s so pretty through here, at the footbridge you can either go over the bridge and walk down that side to the next bridge or stay on the side you are already on and come out at the bridge anyway. Up to the left and this brings you out onto the road again in Simonstone with Simonstone Hotel just in view. Turn right along the road, look out for a farm track to the right, take this, SD 87096 91619, then down the fields back to Hardrow on a well worn path to your vehicle. If you time and energy left do walk up to Hardrow Force, you have to go through the Green Dragon and there is a charge.

Do come and experience this walk for yourselves and stay in one of our beautiful holiday cottages, call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone or of course book online on our user friendly website. Hear from you soon!