Walks in Simonstone
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Simonstone on foot.
Walk the James Herriot Way
Fan of All Creatures Great and Small? Then, you'll love this walk. The walk is a 52 mile circular route starting in Aysgarth and taking in majestic sights such as Hardraw Force, Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle. Barns in beautiful Swaledale Route Distance: 52 miles Start location: Aysgarth, Wensleydale Finish Location: Aysgarth, Wensleydale OS Walking Map & GPX Download Our OS map below shows the full route. Under the map, you can find a GPX file download for your navigational device. herriot-way-newDownload Walk Description This walk is inspired by the walking holiday that vet and author James Herriot took with his son Jimmy around the Youth Hostels of Aysgarth, Grinton and Keld. There is no wonder Herriot loved this area so much and chose it for the location for many of his books. This 52 mile long route takes four to five days to cover and combines gentle walks through valley bottoms with energetic climbs on the skylines. It takes you through parts of Swaledale and Wensleydale, and includes big sights such as Hardraw Force, Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle. The 52 miles can be broken into four 13 mile days, each one ending in a village with plenty of local amenities where you're sure to get a warm Yorkshire welcome. The walk begins in the village of Aysgarth in Wensleydale where you can marvel at the spectacular Aysgarth Falls before following the River Ure to Askrigg. The village was used as the fictional Darrowby in the BBC TV series All Creatures Great and Small, based on the books by James Herriot. Just along from here you can visit the fantastic Mill Gill and Whitfield Force Waterfalls. Continue along the route to the village of Hardraw where you'll find the epic Hardraw Force Waterfall which is England's highest single drop waterfall, falling some 100ft.The route then heads to the market town of Hawes before climbing Great Shunner Fell which is the highest point in Wensleydale and commands wonderful views over Ribblesdale to the south west and Swaledale to the north. After descending the hill to Thwaite the route then takes in the village of Keld and Gunnerside Moor before passing the beautiful valley of Gunnerside Gill. Following the River Swale into Reeth. The route continues along to the inspiring 14th Century Castle Bolton passing through open moorland with it's stunning heather (in the Summer months). The final section takes you back to Aysgarth, where you'll be needing a much needed rest after a fantastic route taking in the very best of the Yorkshire Dales.
Hardraw Force Walk
Falling 100ft, Hardraw Force is England's highest single single drop waterfall. The Route Start Point: The Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw Hawes, DL8 3LZ Finish Point: Hardraw Force Distance: 1 GPX Route Map hardrawforceDownload Walk Description what3words for start point: ///footsteps.onlookers.fund Hardraw Force is the Yorkshire Dales and is the single highest drop waterfall in England. The walk starts at the 13th century Green Dragon Inn for a small fee. The fee is worth it as you wind through the ancient woodland and along Hardraw Beck to the falls which are set in the stunning narrow gorge of Hardraw Scaur. There are few words to describe the variety of senses which are delighted when you first make your way up to this special place. Sight, sound, smells, and the feeling of the water roaring over this mighty cliff are all alive. It's a special place, and you can understand why Wordsworth stopped to write and Turner paused to paint here. It's worth the small price of entry, which keeps the waterfall and its surrounds looked after, preserved for future generations of artists and experience-seekers alike. Plus, the walking around here is top notch, too!
Walk: Hawes to Aysgill Force Circular
A walk of just under 4 miles to the lesser known but equally stunning Aysgill Force waterfall, with spectacular dales views along the way. The Route what3words for start point: ///deeper.townhouse.thorax Start / Finish Point: Hawes National Park Visitor Centre Car Park, Burtersett Rd, Hawes DL8 3NT Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map drawaroute-4Download Walk Description From the National Park car park just along the road from The House at Hawes head towards town. Pass the church and take the left turn, signed for Gayle Lane. The lane climbs between the church and cemetery before coming to a field. Cross the field on the paved path until you reach the road. Turn left to the bridge in the middle of Gayle. On the near side of the bridge turn right at the footpath sign. Pass the houses and then turn left crossing a stone stile.Climb the field beyond and continue to the signpost marked Aysgill Force. Head half left down towards Gayle Beck. Cross a stile in a wall down to the beck on the left and head across the field to a gap in the wall. The path runs across the slope, above the beck, eventually joining a wall to the right. Follow this down to the beck just by a footbridge. Turn left down the near side of the beck seeing the spectacular Aysgill Force. Below the gorge the path passes a small barn. Cross a stile beyond this and through a gap in the wall on the far side of a narrow field. Just beyond, look for a set of steps leading up from the beck. Cross a stile at the top, continue to the next stile to rejoin the original path.
Walk: Wensleydale Highway
In Upper Wensleydale near Hawes is a lovely short walk. Linking the villages of Burtersett and Gayle the highlight is the stunning views down the dale, perfect on a long summer's evening. The Route what3words for start point: ///reliving.breeze.mealtime Start Point: In Gayle village Finish Point: Gayle Distance: 3.5 Miles GPX Route Map wensleydalehighwayDownload Walk Description From the village of Gayle (or start in Hawes) climb gradually through fields of sheep to meet Shaws Lane. The lane lies on the flanks of Wether Hill and is high enough to provide excellent views down Upper Wensleydale. In a short distance the lane drops in to the lovely village of Burtersett. Take some time to explore the village before returning along a lower footpath and joining the quiet road back to Gayle.
Hawes to Sedbusk Walk
A circular walk from the small market town of Hawes with a stiff climb half way round.The walk really takes in the best the Dales has to offer. There are some fantastic panoramic views, a chocolate box village and a great dog-friendly pub along the way too. Route Start Location: Hawes Finish Location: Sedbusk Distance: 4 Miles Route Map & GPX File hawes-and-sedbuskDownload Walk Description what3words for start point: ///influence.quiet.herbs A circular walk from the small market town of Hawes with a stiff climb half way round.The walk really takes in the best the Dales has to offer. There are some fantastic panoramic views, a chocolate box village and a great dog-friendly pub along the way too. The route is easy to follow along stone and green paths and passes along plenty of quiet roads. The route passes along some quiet roads for short periods. You will need to negotiate some gates and one ladder stiles (one is a ladder stile and another is very natrow within dry stone walls) This is the Dales so expect to see plenty of sheep and be ready to keep your dog on a lead. The route initially follows the Pennine Way to the Green Dragon, the pub that marks the entrance to Hardraw Force and the amphitheatre-like gorge that surrounds it. The walk returns to Hawes via the hamlet of Sedbusk, offering splendid views of Wensleydale.
Walk: Hawes to Hardraw
Soak up the views across Wensleydale and follow in the footsteps of James Herriot with a visit to ‘The Drovers’. Gaze at the wonder of Hardraw Force, England highest single drop waterfall. The Route what3words for start point: ///admiringly.boating.neatly Start / Finish Point: Hawes National Park Visitor Centre, Burtersett Rd, Hawes DL8 3NT Distance: 4.25 Miles GPX Route Map drawaroute-2Download Walk Description From the car park take the path to the right of the toilet block to the bridge over the railway. Turn right at the road over the bridge. At the junction on your left (signed industrial estate) take the footpath signed Pennine Way, Hardraw. Follow the stone slab path. Continue on the road to Haylands Bridge. After 100m, take the footpath on the right signed Sedbusk. Note this is the point to which you will return later in the walk. Follow the footpath over a packhorse bridge. Bear right, through a stile, across a field to a gated stile. Diagonally right is a stile signed Sedbusk. Follow the path leading straight up across the field, through a wall stile and across and up a steep hill, keeping the wiggly wall on your left. Leave the field onto a lane, take the path across the lane and walk diagonally across the field to the wall stile. This path leads, in a straight line, across several fields via wall stiles. Go through the farmyard and carry on along the tarmac track ahead. This meets a road. Turn left down the road for 30m then take the drive on the right signed Simonstone Hotel. Before the hotel entrance there is a stile with a wooden gate on the left with a footpath marker. Go through this stile, follow the path towards a farm ahead. At West House Farm follow the path past the front of the house, through a gate, and around the far side of the house. Follow the stepped and paved path steeply downhill towards Hardraw hamlet,at the foot of the hill. At the bottom go through the gate and emerge next to the Green Dragon pub – The Drovers in All Creatures Great and Small. To reach the waterfall, walk behind the pub via the café entrance.(fee payable) Take the marked paths up both sides of the river to get the different views of Hardraw Force made famous in the Robin Hood Prince of Thieves film. Turn right onto the lane in front of the pub. Just before the bridge turn left. (signed Pennine Way / Hawes) Go through a kissing gate behind the houses. Follow the paved path across several fields. Where the path splits keep to the upper folk. You eventually reach a gated stile at the road. Turn right and in 200m you will reach the foot path to Sedbusk encountered earlier in the walk. Retrace your outward steps back to the car park.
Walk: Great Shunner Fell
As the third highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, Shunner Fell is a great peak to get in the bag whilst in the Yorkshire Dales. This scenic walk starts from the small village of Hardraw, near the impressive Hardraw Force waterfall, the highest unbroken waterfall in England. Follow the well-marked Pennine Way as it winds through rolling hills and rugged terrain, offering an invigorating hike of around 8 miles. The Route what3words for start point: ///baroness.drop.rebounder Start Point: Hardraw, Hawes DL8 3LZ Finish Point: Hardraw, Hawes DL8 3LZ Distance: 8 Miles GPX Route Map Great-Shunner-FellDownload Walk Description As you ascend, the path becomes steeper, rewarding walkers with increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding Wensleydale landscape. Upon reaching the summit of Great Shunner Fell, you are greeted with breath-taking panoramic views that extend across the Dales. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Lake District and the distant hills of Northumberland. The route is composed of a mixture of well-trodden paths and some more challenging sections, making it suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Along the way, the area's natural beauty is complemented by rich wildlife, including curlews and plovers. Ensure you are prepared with appropriate footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and sufficient water, as the weather can change quickly in the area. The walk back to Hardraw retraces the path taken to the summit.
Walk: Hawes
A calm walk through the town of Hawes. With plenty a shops to see on your way through, this walk is perfect for an afternoon out. The Route what3words for start point: ///trusts.forces.uppermost Start / Finish Point: Car park, Burtersett Road Station Yard, Hawes DL8 3NT Distance: 3.1 Miles GPX Route Map drawaroute-1Download Walk Description Starting at the car park, follow the road through Hawes, crossing Gayle Beck. After approximately 60m from the bridge, turn left up the cobbled footpath signposted to Gayle. The next 70m of this route are cobbled with a gradient of 1:7. After this point, the footpath levels out with some slight gradients up to 1:10. Most of the length is constructed of stone flags at a width of 100cm. There is a rest area halfway along the route.
Walk: Cotter Force
A secluded walk to the fierce Cotter Force. This woodland walk will take you to the valley of waterfalls which is series of six beautiful waterfalls. The Route what3words for start point: ///scream.angry.snores Start / Finish Point: A684, Hawes DL8 3LR Distance: 0.6 Miles GPX Route Map drawaroute-12Download Walk Description Known as ‘the valley of the waterfalls’, Wensleydale harbours many delights for the visitor. Cotter Force, west of Hawes, is a lovely secluded waterfall in a wooded setting. It is a series of about six waterfalls with the largest single drop being about 1.5m. This 490m level footpath alongside the beck is constructed of compact stone with a general width of 100cm. There are three benches evenly spaced along the footpath. Whilst walking the route look out for dippers, grey wagtails, redstarts, long tailed tits and kingfishers.
Walk: Hawes Circular 10 miles
Discover the surroundings of Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales with a 10 mile walk that showcases the best of the local landscape and cultural heritage. Starting from the bustling market town centre, this route takes you through charming streets lined with traditional stone houses before leading into the dramatic countryside. The Route what3words for start point: ///instilled.flipper.promoting Start Point: Main St, Hawes DL8 3QL Finish Point: Main St, Hawes DL8 3QL Distance: 10 Miles GPX Route Map HawesDownload Walk Description The walk follows a path along the River Ure, and takes in 3 waterfalls: Hardraw Force, Cotter Force and Aysgill Force. The journey commences in the heart of the Hawes and proceeds northwards, traversing the River Ure. The path then ascends alongside Hardraw Beck leading up to Hardraw Force Waterfall. Visitors can access this natural spectacle through the historic Green Dragon Inn. The trail continues its ascent westward to Bluebell Hill, reaching an elevation of over 1000 feet. This vantage point offers expansive views of the area. The route then descends to rejoin the River Ure and follows it westward to Cotterdale Beck, leading to the picturesque Cotter Force Waterfall, characterized by its series of six cascading steps, each forming a distinct waterfall. Following the visit to Cotter Force, the path returns along the river towards Appersett, where it picks up Widdale Beck heading towards Appersett Viaduct. The journey loops back towards Hawes, offering an optional detour south along Gayle Beck to explore Aysgill Force Waterfall. This circular route is 10 miles long and at its highest on Bluebell Hill reaches 1000ft above seal level, so is somewhat challenging.
Walk: Pennine Way National Trail
This iconic 268 mile walk takes you through three of England's finest national parks. The Route what3words for start point: ///mice.ages.improvise Start Point: Edale Finish Point: Kirk Yetholm Distance: 268 Miles GPX Route Map pennine-wayDownload Walk Description Embark on an epic journey along the Pennine Way, a majestic 268-mile trek that weaves through the heart of England's most captivating landscapes. Your adventure begins in the charming village of Edale, nestled in the rugged Derbyshire Peak District. From there, you'll set your sights northward, traversing the rolling hills and serene valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. As you journey onward, each step reveals the rich tapestry of England's natural beauty. You'll cross the historic Hadrian's Wall, a testament to ancient times, in the awe-inspiring Northumberland National Park. Your trek culminates in a triumphant arrival at Kirk Yetholm, a quaint Scottish village that marks the end of this extraordinary trail. Regarded as England's premier Long Distance Footpath, the Pennine Way is more than a hike; it's a pilgrimage through the soul of the Great North. While the path demands resilience and fitness, it generously rewards with unparalleled vistas and breathtaking landscapes. Highlights of this grand expedition include the surreal limestone pavements of Malham Cove and the towering trio of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Traverse the mysterious moorlands bordering Yorkshire and County Durham, descending into the Tees Valley, where the river guides you past a cascade of awe-inspiring waterfalls. Your journey reaches a crescendo as you ascend to the edge of a dramatic canyon, offering a panoramic view over the Eden Valley that will etch itself into your memory forever. The Pennine Way is not just a walk; it's a journey through history, nature, and the depths of your own endurance, culminating in an experience that transcends mere physical achievement.