Attractions and Places To See around Hawes - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hawes, a market town in the heart of Wensleydale, offers a diverse range of attractions. The area is situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, known for its dramatic hills, picturesque villages, and limestone scenery. Visitors can explore notable landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Hawes
- The most popular attractions is Hull Pot, a canyon that is a collapsed cavern, measuring 91m long by 18m deep. It is particularly impressive after heavy rain.
- Another must-see spot is Whernside Summit, the highest of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks. It offers views over the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.
- Visitors also love Ribblehead Viaduct, an iconic bridge with 24 arches. It is a photogenic landmark and a starting point for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.
- Hawes is known for natural features like waterfalls and fells, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. Visitors can explore a market town setting, learn about local heritage, and experience the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
- The attractions around Hawes are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 340 upvotes and 140 photos shared across 27 highlights.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Whernside Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter
Highlight • Viewpoint
There is a shelter here where you can sit and rest your weary legs that have run you all the way up here!
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Ribblehead Viaduct
Highlight • Bridge
The viaduct is 1,312 feet (400 m) long with 24 arches spanning across Batty Moss. Built between 1870 and 1874, approximately 1,000 labourers worked on its construction.
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Hull Pot
Highlight • Canyon
In the late 18th century, in a guidebook published, it was called 'a Hulpit', and the author stated that it "would have appeared like the inside of an enormous old Gothic castle, the high ruinous walls of which were left standing after the roof was fallen in".
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Great Shunner Fell Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Popular around Hawes
Yorkshire Dales National Park – A Walk in the Parks
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Hiking around Hawes
Cycling around Hawes
Road Cycling Routes around Hawes
MTB Trails around Hawes
Running Trails around Hawes
Other adventures around Hawes
Tips from the Community
Access: 🚗 c. 2miles from the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale 🥾 Alternatively, enjoy a 9 miles hike with just 2,000ft of total elevation from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, via Pen-y-Ghent
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Highest point along the Herriot Way. Expect bog and bad weather 😂
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Hull Pot is an amazing collapsed cavern that is now just an open limestone scar measuring 91 metres (300 feet) long by 18 metres (60 feet) deep. In dry weather, like today unfortunately, Hull Pot Beck goes underground before it gets to the rim, but in wet weather, it gives way overground to form a stunning waterfall. A stunning place to spend some time!
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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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Nearby to the true summit is a quaint trig pointed marker with some seating.
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This is a lovely broad summit, and one of the nicest trig pointed tops out there. To come here on a nice day is a lovely experience. The summit is set back quite a bit from the escarpment, so there is not much of a view from there, but there is a nice seat to park your butt on for a while.
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Amazing hike on a warm day..one of my favourites
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Wild Boar Fell is a fine peak towering above the Mallerstang valley. The 4th highest peak in the Yorkshire Dales, its summit is at 708m (2323ft).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Hawes?
The Hawes area, nestled in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Hull Pot, an impressive collapsed cavern, or witness England's highest single-drop waterfall, Hardraw Force. Other notable waterfalls include Aysgill Force and the accessible Cotter Force. For expansive views, consider summits like Whernside Summit, the highest of Yorkshire's Three Peaks, or Great Shunner Fell Summit. Semerwater, the second-largest natural lake in the Dales, is also nearby.
Are there any historical landmarks or cultural sites to visit in Hawes?
Hawes and its surroundings offer several historical and cultural insights. The iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, is a must-see. You can also delve into local heritage at the Dales Countryside Museum, housed in the old railway station, or explore the traditional craft at Hawes Ropemakers. Gayle Mill, a restored Victorian sawmill, provides a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
What activities are available for families around Hawes?
Families visiting Hawes have several engaging options. The Ribblehead Viaduct is considered family-friendly and offers a great photo opportunity. The Wensleydale Creamery provides an interactive experience where children can learn about cheese making and enjoy tastings. The Dales Countryside Museum also offers exhibits suitable for all ages, detailing the history of the Yorkshire Dales.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Hawes?
Hawes is an excellent base for walking. The Pennine Way long-distance trail passes through the town, offering numerous shorter walks. For easy strolls, explore routes like the Haylands Bridge and Gayle Beck waterfall loop. More challenging hikes include ascents to Whernside Summit or Great Shunner Fell Summit. You can find detailed routes, including easy hikes, at Easy hikes around Hawes.
What cycling routes are available around Hawes?
The Hawes area is popular with cyclists, offering a range of routes from moderate to difficult. You can tackle the challenging Buttertubs Pass, known for its winding turns and scenic views, or explore longer loops that take in landmarks like Arten Gill Viaduct. Discover more cycling options at Cycling around Hawes.
What is the Wensleydale Creamery and what can I do there?
The Wensleydale Creamery is the famous home of Wensleydale cheese, popularized by Wallace and Gromit. Visitors can learn about the cheese-making process, explore a museum dedicated to its history, and enjoy tastings. There's also an on-site shop and restaurant.
Is Hawes a good base for exploring the wider Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Yes, Hawes is ideally situated for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its central location in Wensleydale provides easy access to dramatic hills, picturesque villages, and the distinctive limestone scenery. Areas like Twistleton Scar and White Scar Caves, showcasing classic limestone formations, are within a short drive, as are the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Are there any scenic drives or viewpoints near Hawes?
Buttertubs Pass is a highly scenic road linking Swaledale with Wensleydale, famous for its winding turns and deep limestone potholes. For panoramic views, consider the summits of Whernside Summit, Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter, or Great Shunner Fell Summit, which offer extensive vistas across the Dales and beyond.
What is the Hawes Market known for?
Hawes Market holds a royal charter dating back to 1699 and maintains a vibrant weekly Tuesday market. The market square, with its traditional pubs and independent shops, contributes to the town's lively atmosphere and is a great place to experience local life.
Are there any running trails around Hawes?
Yes, there are several running trails catering to different fitness levels around Hawes. You can find moderate loops like the Haylands Bridge – Hawes to Sedbusk Footpath, or more challenging runs such as the Great Shunner Fell Summit loop. Explore detailed routes at Running Trails around Hawes.
What is special about Hardraw Force?
Hardraw Force is England's highest single-drop waterfall, plunging 100 feet. It's a spectacular sight, especially impressive after rainfall, and gained fame for its appearance in the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'. It's located a short walk from Hawes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Hawes?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural landscapes, such as the panoramic views from Whernside Summit and the dramatic sight of Hull Pot, especially after heavy rain. The iconic Ribblehead Viaduct is also a firm favorite for its photogenic qualities and historical significance. Many enjoy the sense of achievement from completing challenging hikes and the peaceful beauty of the Dales.
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Most popular attractions around Hawes
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