Best attractions and places to see around High Abbotside, a civil parish in North Yorkshire, England, showcase its natural beauty and historical significance. The area features dramatic fells, impressive waterfalls, and historic villages, alongside remnants of its industrial past. Visitors can explore a landscape shaped by centuries of farming, characterized by drystone walls and traditional stone-built field barns. Natural features include Semerwater, the River Ure, and numerous small gills and becks.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Highlight • Monument
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Highlight • Viewpoint
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Highlight • Natural Monument
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Highlight • Religious Site
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Highest point along the Herriot Way. Expect bog and bad weather 😂
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Fantastic loop from Hawes to Muker then Cross tops to Askridge then steady back to Hawes . The climbs are tough but an awesome ride
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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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This is actually the location of the topographic cairn, which is a really good view point out over the surrounding Dales, and of the Nine Standards, which sit nearby to the north within a few hundred metres. A bit further to the south is the actual summit point of Nine Standards Rigg itself, which is marked by a trig point.
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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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High Abbotside is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the dramatic Hardraw Force, England's highest unbroken waterfall, accessible via the Green Dragon Inn. Other notable features include the impressive Hellgill Force Waterfall, the tranquil Semerwater lake, and the scenic River Ure which forms part of the parish boundary.
Yes, High Abbotside has a rich history. The picturesque Askrigg village features 18th and 19th-century houses and a 14th-century church. You can also find the ruins of High Dyke, a late 17th-century farmhouse that once served as a drover's inn, and the Sargill Ore Heath Lead Smelt Mill, an Ancient Scheduled Monument reflecting the area's industrial past.
For extensive views, consider hiking to the summit of Wild Boar Fell at 708m, offering vistas of the Howgill Fells and surrounding settlements. Another excellent spot is Great Shunner Fell Summit, the third highest peak in Yorkshire, providing views of the North Pennines and Lake District on a clear day. The broad summit of Nine Standards also offers superb views over Kirkby Stephen and the Dales.
High Abbotside is a popular destination for hiking and cycling. You can find numerous trails for exploring natural monuments, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. For specific routes, check out the hiking routes around High Abbotside, MTB trails, and road cycling routes.
Absolutely. The Buttertubs Pass Climb from Hawes is a classic and challenging ascent for road cyclists, reaching up to 1,740 feet (530 m) with gradients touching 17% in parts. It's known for its brutal sections and rewarding views.
The charming Askrigg village is a great family-friendly spot to explore, with its historic main street, pubs, tea rooms, and bakery. While specific family walks aren't detailed, the general area offers many scenic, less strenuous paths suitable for families to enjoy the pastoral landscape and drystone walls.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views from summits like Wild Boar Fell and Great Shunner Fell. The unique mystery of the Nine Standards cairns also captivates many. Cyclists relish the challenge and scenery of Buttertubs Pass, while the historic charm of Askrigg village provides a delightful experience for all.
Yes, there are several notable hiking routes. You could tackle the challenging 'Great Shunner Fell and Fossdale Moss loop from High Shaw' or the 'Lovely Seat and Great Shunner Fell loop from Cliff Gate Road'. For a moderate option, try the 'Hardraw Beck Cascades – Green Dragon Inn loop from Litherskew'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around High Abbotside guide.
The Askrigg village is well-equipped with two pubs, tea rooms, a bakery, a shop, and B&Bs, making it an excellent base. Near Hardraw Force, the Green Dragon Inn offers a heritage center and tearoom. These locations provide convenient spots for refreshments and accommodation.
The intricate network of drystone walls and traditional stone-built field barns are iconic features of High Abbotside's landscape. They represent centuries of pastoral farming and the enduring heritage of livestock farmers who shaped the area. These structures are not just functional but also contribute significantly to the region's unique charm and character.
Yes, the area features a few historic churches. The Church of St Mary the Virgin and St John in Hardraw, built between 1879 and 1881, replaced an earlier 18th-century structure. Additionally, Lunds Church is a small, disused Grade II listed building located in the hamlet of Lunds, offering a glimpse into the past.
The highest point in the immediate area is Great Shunner Fell, standing at 2,349 feet (716 m). It is the third highest peak in Yorkshire and is crossed by the Pennine Way, offering a sense of walking along the 'backbone of England'.


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