Easy hikes and walks around Hawes

Hawes offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with over 25 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 80 hiking routes in the area, catering to various skill levels within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Yes, Hawes is well-known for its easy circular walks. A popular option is the Haylands Bridge and Gayle Beck waterfall loop, which is about 2.5 miles (4.1 km) long and takes just over an hour to complete. Another easy circular route is the Mirk Pot Woods loop from Widdale, covering about 4.3 km.

Absolutely. The Hawes area, often called 'the valley of the waterfalls,' has several accessible waterfalls. The Haylands Bridge and Gayle Beck waterfall loop is an easy route that takes you to Gayle Beck waterfall. While not directly on an easy trail listed here, the famous Hardraw Force, England's highest single-drop waterfall, is also nearby and accessible via a short walk through the Green Dragon Inn.

Easy hikes around Hawes typically feature a mix of accessible paths, gentle ascents, and rolling fells. You'll encounter picturesque valleys, open countryside, and some notable limestone scenery. The trails are generally well-maintained and suitable for various ability levels.

Yes, many easy trails in Hawes are family-friendly. Shorter, gentler routes like the Haylands Bridge and Gayle Beck waterfall loop are ideal for families, offering manageable distances and interesting natural features like waterfalls.

While many easy hikes focus on the valley floor, some offer glimpses of the wider Dales. The View Towards Burtersett – Cam High Road loop provides scenic views. You can also find impressive natural features like Hull Pot and the iconic Whernside Summit in the broader area, though reaching the summit itself is a more challenging endeavor.

The easy trails in Hawes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the accessibility of waterfalls, and the well-maintained paths that make exploring the Yorkshire Dales enjoyable for all skill levels.

Hawes, being a popular base for exploring the Dales, offers various parking options within the town and at trailheads. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and fees, especially during peak seasons.

Hawes is served by local bus routes, which can provide access to the town itself. From Hawes, many easy trails, including those leading to Gayle Beck waterfall, are accessible on foot. For routes further afield, checking local bus timetables for connections within the Yorkshire Dales National Park is recommended.

The Yorkshire Dales offer beautiful scenery year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes, while summer is ideal for longer days. Even in winter, many easy trails are accessible, though conditions can be wet or icy, so appropriate footwear and clothing are essential.

While the listed easy trails are closer to Hawes, the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct is a significant landmark in the wider Yorkshire Dales. There are many scenic circular walks around the viaduct that offer breathtaking views, including those of Whernside and Ingleborough, though some of these may be more moderate in difficulty.

Most public footpaths and easy trails in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially when walking through farmland with livestock or during ground-nesting bird seasons. Always follow the Countryside Code and clean up after your dog.