Hawes to Hardraw Force via The Green Dragon Pub
An easy riverside loop to Hardraw Force and back past Wensleydale Creamery — a gentle one to blow off the cobwebs before pie and a pint back in Hawes.
Effort: Moderate distance, manageable climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
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Runnable start to finish — nothing here forces you to walk.
A brisk 10 km circuit from the market town of Hawes to Hardraw Force Waterfall and into the fells above Upper Wensleydale - the classic way to blow out the cobwebs and welcome in the new year with wide-open views.
An easy riverside loop to Hardraw Force and back past Wensleydale Creamery — a gentle one to blow off the cobwebs before pie and a pint back in Hawes.
Hawes to Hardraw Force via The Green Dragon Pub
There are few better place to be for a brisk walk than Hawes. This 10.3 km route starts and finishes in the heart of Hawes - the highest market town in England and the natural centre of Upper Wensleydale - giving you some proper fellside perspective before you earn your pie and a pint.
The route climbs steadily out of the town onto the open fell above, where the views open up across the broad, flat floor of Wensleydale. On a clear January day you might see snow on the higher fells of Buttertubs Pass and the faint outline of Ingleborough to the south-west.
The middle section crosses rougher pasture and moorland edge on good bridleway tracks, with the occasional gate and stile to keep you alert. In wet or frosty conditions the paths can be slippery, and the higher ground can hold snow well into late winter.
The descent back towards Hawes passes above the Wensleydale Creamery - the only remaining producer of genuine Wensleydale cheese in the dale. If the shop is open, it would be rude not to pick up a wedge for New Year's lunch.
The town rewards those who linger. Beyond the creamery, Hawes has the excellent Dales Countryside Museum, a National Park Visitor Centre, and enough independent cafes and pubs to keep any walking party happy long after the boots come off.
Key Facts
- Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)
- Ascent: 176 m
- Terrain: Town paths, farm track, moorland edge
- Start/Finish: Gayle Lane Car Park, Hawes (DL8 3RQ)
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Field gates and stiles throughout, so expect a few stops. The riverside path gets slippery when wet or frosty, and there's often snow on higher ground in winter.
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
- Most runners complete Hawes to Hardraw Force via The Green Dragon Pub in 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
Run by us· last checked June 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
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Nobody's logged a run here yet. If you get out on it, a few lines about how it went helps the next person plan their day.
Routes nearby
Start from a town: Hawes 0.5 km
MODERATE
HARDRaces on this ground
All Yorkshire Dales races →Races starting within 20 km of the Hawes to Hardraw Force via The Green Dragon Pub start, nearest first. If you are entered for one, this route is the rehearsal.
10
Jan
2027
Winter Spine Challenger North
Hardraw, North Yorkshire · The Spine Race · 1 miles away
Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm, the northern hundred and sixty, starting at dusk.
Event full
13
Jun
2027
Summer Spine Challenger North
Hardraw, North Yorkshire · The Spine Race · 1 miles away
Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm in June, on a tighter limit than the winter race.
Event full
24
Apr
2027
Three Peaks Race
Horton in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire · Three Peaks Race · 11 miles away
Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough from Horton, as it has been since 1954.
Not open yet