Wensleydale Watershed

The Wensleydale Watershed traces the high ground surrounding Yorkshire's largest dale in a continuous circuit. Wensleydale is bounded on the south by the watershed with Ribblesdale and Swaledale, to the north by the ridges above Swaledale and Teesdale, and to the east by the lower moors above the Vale of York. The route links these ridges in a demanding and navigationally complex circuit.

At 95 km with around 3,800 m of ascent, it is a good single-day or overnight challenge for experienced fell runners. The terrain is classic Dales moorland — heathery, boggy in places, with long gentle ridges that allow fast running in dry conditions. Wild Boar Fell (708 m) and Great Shunner Fell (716 m) are the highest points.

The circuit has no fixed waymarking and requires good Dales navigation. Several sections cross Open Access land with no paths.

Starting from Hawes (the obvious base town): east over Dodd Fell (668 m), across the Snaizeholme watershed to the Great Shunner Fell (716 m). Over the Mallerstang Edge to Wild Boar Fell (708 m) and High Seat (709 m). Descend to Garsdale Head and return west along the southern watershed — Widdale Fell, Dodd Fell circuit back to Hawes.

Exact route choice varies significantly by preference and conditions.

Based on Hawes — good facilities, car parking, the Wensleydale Creamery is a useful landmark. Hawes is accessible by bus from Northallerton and Garsdale Head station (Settle–Carlisle line, limited service).

Best time: June to September. The Mallerstang section can be very boggy after rain.