Best mountain peaks around High Abbotside are characterized by high moorland and lofty fells, offering extensive views across the Yorkshire Dales. This civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, features prominent peaks like Great Shunner Fell, which is the highest point within the area. The terrain primarily consists of upland moorland, rocky pathways, and natural stone tracks, providing diverse hiking experiences. The region is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure and traditional British moorland scenery.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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Fleet Moss from Hawes is a remote and challenging Dales climb, averaging 8% with punishing ramps up to 20%. The narrow, weather-beaten road rises sharply through open moorland, with rough tarmac and exposed sections that make wind a serious factor. The steepest gradients hit early, so shift into your lowest gear and settle into a controlled, steady rhythm. Reaching the summit feels wild and raw—true Yorkshire climbing at its toughest.
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Highest point along the Herriot Way. Expect bog and bad weather 😂
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Drumaldrace 614m P67 (2014ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 2796) [JNSA 4741] County of Yorkshire Definitive List Yorkshire Dales National Park Definitive List summit
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Great Shunner Fell is a good little workout coming up from Thwaite, about 5.5 kilometres one way, so quite a bit shorter than coming up from Hawes. I wish I could say the views are great, but the cloud was in today on my hike. It was a great day out though, and I met some great people on the hill from all over the world.
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It is a nice sedate walk to the summit of Drumaldrace from the car park area on Beggermans Road. A mix of road and rough track. Nothing much to see on my day there, all a bit of a rainy blur!
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This is actually the location of the topographic cairn, which is a really good view point out over the surrounding Dales, and of the Nine Standards, which sit nearby to the north within a few hundred metres. A bit further to the south is the actual summit point of Nine Standards Rigg itself, which is marked by a trig point.
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High Abbotside is home to several notable peaks. The highest point is Great Shunner Fell Summit, which is the third-highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales. Other significant peaks include Nine Standards, known for its mysterious cairns and superb views, and Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter, offering extensive vistas across the Dales.
The terrain around High Abbotside's mountain peaks primarily consists of upland moorland, rocky pathways, and natural stone tracks. Hikers should be prepared for potentially wet and boggy patches, especially after rainfall. Areas like Abbotside Common also feature limestone country with crumbling cliffs.
Yes, Drumaldrace Summit Cairn is considered an easy summit to climb, offering wonderful views and is suitable for families. For other easy walks, you can explore routes like the Gayle Beck waterfall loop or the Hardraw Force walk, which are part of the Easy hikes around High Abbotside guide.
On Great Shunner Fell Summit, you can find evidence of past lead mining, which continued until the 1880s, in the form of small pieces of coal around the summit. Additionally, Nine Standards is a man-made monument whose origin is a mystery, with some believing they were constructed by Romans.
Many peaks offer stunning views. From Great Shunner Fell Summit, you can enjoy panoramic views extending into the North Pennines, the Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks on a clear day. Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter provides excellent views of the Howgill Fells. Addlebrough Summit and Cairn, despite its lower elevation, offers outstanding views of Semer Water and the surrounding fells.
Yes, the renowned Pennine Way long-distance footpath crosses directly over the summit of Great Shunner Fell Summit, making it a popular destination for hikers undertaking this iconic route.
Beyond hiking, High Abbotside offers opportunities for running and cycling. You can find various routes in the Running Trails around High Abbotside guide, including a loop around Great Shunner Fell. For cyclists, the Cycling around High Abbotside guide features challenging routes like Buttertubs Pass.
Great Shunner Fell Summit is the highest point within High Abbotside and ranks as the third-highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales. Its significance is further enhanced by the Pennine Way crossing its summit and the breathtaking panoramic views it offers, often described as walking along the 'backbone of England'.
Abbotside Common is not a single peak but an area of high moorland and lofty fells forming part of High Abbotside's northern boundary. It is characterized by broad, open upland landscapes, intersected by ravines and vales. It offers opportunities for airy ridge walks with fine prospects of Wensleydale and a sense of solitude.
Yes, Great Shunner Fell Summit is a natural monument, and the area of Abbotside Common is largely limestone country, evident in its crumbling cliffs. Addlebrough Summit and Cairn is situated on a dramatic limestone scar.
Visitors appreciate the classic British mountain walking experience, the sense of achievement upon reaching summits, and the extensive panoramic views. The peaceful natural landscape and traditional British moorland scenery are also highly valued, offering opportunities for wildlife encounters with birds like curlews and plovers.
Peaks like Great Shunner Fell Summit are accessible from villages such as Hawes and Hardraw, with well-marked routes like the Pennine Way offering a manageable climb for those with reasonable fitness. Some summits, like Drumaldrace Summit Cairn, are noted for being easy to climb.


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