A Short walk in Wensleydale from Hawes
This is an easy 5 mile walk through some nice Wensleydale countryside. There are no major uphill climbs and there’s a chance to visit the Hardraw Force waterfall before a stroll through pleasant meadows back to Hawes.
Start at Hawes. From the top end of the car park just off Gayle Lane turn left, then go right over a stile signposted ‘Youth Hostel’. Follow the path which bends uphill to a stile. Continue across around 6 fields with stiles to arrive at a minor road. Turn left then right through a gate signed ‘Thorney Mire House’. Follow the path for around 800 metres to a gate onto a lane.
Turn right and carry on for around 3 quarters of a mile, passing under the viaduct to arrive at the road at the village of Appersett. Turn left across the bridge over the Widdale Beck. Follow the lane and cross the next bridge, then bend left to a junction with 3 way road sign. Go through a gated gap stile opposite the road sign directing you to Bluebell Hill. Cross the field, go through a gate and over a bridge, then bear half left uphill. Go through a gate and continue to a cross roads signpost.
Turn right and follow the valley to a stile. Cross the field beyond, go over a stile then turn left to a ladder stile over a wall. Cross the field towards Hardraw, going over a wooden stile then a ladder stile into a lane. Turn right then left at the road to cross the bridge into Hardraw.
You’ll see the Green Dragon pub ahead and to the right. Immediately after the bridge is a right turn with bus stop and telephone box. Turn here and bend round behind the houses to enter fields. Cross the fields, with flag stones part of the way, as Hawes comes into view on the right. This path is part of the Pennine Way. The path eventually arrives at a road. Turn right and follow the road as it bends round and crosses a bridge over the River Ure. Continue to follow the road back to arrive at Hawes by the Dales countryside museum.
For some unique photographic perspectives of the Wensleydale area, have a look at our sister website- Yorkshire-Photography.com.
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