The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Hawes

The Yorkshire Three Peaks are highly popular, with Whernside Summit being the highest. Other notable peaks include Great Shunner Fell Summit, the third highest in the Dales, and Ingleborough, known for its distinctive profile and archaeological history. These offer a range of experiences from challenging ascents to panoramic views.

Yes, Drumaldrace Summit Cairn is considered an easy summit to climb at 614m, offering wonderful views and a relatively sedate walk. While many peaks offer challenging routes, some sections or lower paths can be suitable for families, especially those looking for less strenuous options.

The peaks around Hawes showcase diverse natural features. You'll find Carboniferous Limestone and Millstone Grit geology, distinctive stepped profiles, and long, whale-backed ridges. Highlights include the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct visible from Whernside, shake holes, and the Force Gill waterfall. Ingleborough is also known for its extensive cave systems.

The best time to hike is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. However, the region offers a classic British mountain walking experience year-round, with winter walks providing a sense of remoteness for experienced hikers, though conditions can be challenging.

Absolutely. Peaks like Pen-y-ghent offer dramatic scrambling sections, making it a popular choice for those seeking a challenge. The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge itself is a significant undertaking. Whernside Summit, while having a steadier incline, is a long ascent, and Great Shunner Fell Summit provides a good workout with its elevation.

Whernside Summit offers panoramic 360-degree views, including the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Lake District fells, and Morecambe Bay on a clear day. Great Shunner Fell Summit also provides expansive views into the North Pennines and other Yorkshire Dales fells. Wild Boar Fell is highly regarded for its exceptional vistas, particularly of the Howgill Fells.

Beyond hiking the peaks, the Hawes area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore waterfall hikes, with routes like the Hardraw Force Waterfall and Cotterdale loop. There are also numerous options for cycling, including the challenging Buttertubs Pass, and dedicated running trails, such as those leading to Great Shunner Fell Summit.

Yes, Ingleborough's summit plateau is a Scheduled Monument, featuring archaeological remains believed to be an Iron Age hillfort or earlier burial cairns. This adds a fascinating historical dimension to the geological wonders of the peak.

Great Shunner Fell Summit, while accessible via the Pennine Way, provides a sense of remoteness and a classic British mountain walking experience. Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell also offer a chance to explore less-known, high hills with straightforward walking amidst rolling moorland.

Beyond the famous Three Peaks, Park Fell Trig Point, located north-east of Ingleborough, offers a typically quieter way to climb with fantastic views of Whernside. Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell also provide excellent walks with superb views over Wensleydale, offering a chance to explore the less-trafficked high hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Hawes itself, and surrounding villages, offer various amenities including pubs and cafes. For example, the Pennine Way passes over Great Shunner Fell Summit, which is accessible from Hawes via the Pennine Way, passing Hardraw Force. Many routes will eventually lead back to or pass through areas with facilities.