The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Hawes
Best mountain peaks around Hawes are found in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, offering access to iconic fells. The region is known for its diverse geological features, including Carboniferous Limestone and Millstone Grit. Hawes provides a base for exploring a range of summits, from the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks to other notable fells. This area features a variety of landscapes, from distinctive stepped profiles to long, whale-backed ridges.
Best mountain peaks around Hawes
- The most popular mountain peaks is Whernside Summit, a summit that is the highest of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks. It offers panoramic 360-degree views over the Yorkshire Dales and beyond, including the Ribblehead Viaduct.
- Another must-see spot is Great Shunner Fell Summit, a natural monument. This summit is the third highest in the Yorkshire Dales at 716m, providing views of the North Pennines, the Lake District, and other Yorkshire Dales fells.
- Visitors also love Drumaldrace Summit Cairn, a viewpoint. This is an easy summit to climb at 614m, featuring a cairn and wonderful views that divide Wensleydale in the north and Upper Wharfedale in the south.
- Hawes is known for its challenging ascents, distinctive peaks, and gradual moorland walks. The area offers a variety of mountain peaks to see and explore, catering to different hiking preferences.
- The mountain peaks around Hawes are appreciated by the komoot community, with 346 upvotes and 143 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Whernside Summit
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Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter
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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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Great Shunner Fell Summit
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Whernside
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Oxnop Scar Summit
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The steepest part comes first, with gradients measuring up to 25% on the first right hand hairpin bend! It's amazing how quickly you rise up the bank, offering incredible views back down over Swaledale as you glide along the smooth black asphalt up the more gentle moorland summit.
The total climb is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) long and peaks at 1,607 feet (490 m).
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Tips from the Community
Highest point along the Herriot Way. Expect bog and bad weather 😂
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Although the highest of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks; Whernside is the easiest to ascent. The classic route goes up the North Side but the descent is very steep. I prefer to take it the other way round; with a short and stepped ascent and a gentle descent. However, keep that route for the Winter or quieter week-days in the Summer. You would otherwise go against the hoards of Yorkshire 3 Peaks challengers who are on both a distance and time challenge.
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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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If you go anti-clockwise it is quite a steady ascent but be careful on the descent as it is much steeper and the path is not as good. As you would expect extensive views at the top and lots of great views of the Ribblehead Viaduct.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the most popular mountain peaks to hike near Hawes?
The Yorkshire Three Peaks are highly popular, with Whernside Summit being the highest. Other notable peaks include Great Shunner Fell Summit, the third highest in the Dales, and Ingleborough, known for its distinctive profile and archaeological history. These offer a range of experiences from challenging ascents to panoramic views.
Are there any family-friendly mountain peaks or walks around Hawes?
Yes, Drumaldrace Summit Cairn is considered an easy summit to climb at 614m, offering wonderful views and a relatively sedate walk. While many peaks offer challenging routes, some sections or lower paths can be suitable for families, especially those looking for less strenuous options.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the mountain peaks near Hawes?
The peaks around Hawes showcase diverse natural features. You'll find Carboniferous Limestone and Millstone Grit geology, distinctive stepped profiles, and long, whale-backed ridges. Highlights include the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct visible from Whernside, shake holes, and the Force Gill waterfall. Ingleborough is also known for its extensive cave systems.
What is the best time of year to hike the mountain peaks around Hawes?
The best time to hike is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. However, the region offers a classic British mountain walking experience year-round, with winter walks providing a sense of remoteness for experienced hikers, though conditions can be challenging.
Are there challenging hikes available for experienced mountaineers near Hawes?
Absolutely. Peaks like Pen-y-ghent offer dramatic scrambling sections, making it a popular choice for those seeking a challenge. The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge itself is a significant undertaking. Whernside Summit, while having a steadier incline, is a long ascent, and Great Shunner Fell Summit provides a good workout with its elevation.
Where can I find the best panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales from a peak near Hawes?
Whernside Summit offers panoramic 360-degree views, including the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Lake District fells, and Morecambe Bay on a clear day. Great Shunner Fell Summit also provides expansive views into the North Pennines and other Yorkshire Dales fells. Wild Boar Fell is highly regarded for its exceptional vistas, particularly of the Howgill Fells.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Hawes?
Beyond hiking the peaks, the Hawes area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore waterfall hikes, with routes like the Hardraw Force Waterfall and Cotterdale loop. There are also numerous options for cycling, including the challenging Buttertubs Pass, and dedicated running trails, such as those leading to Great Shunner Fell Summit.
Are there any historical or archaeological sites on the mountain peaks?
Yes, Ingleborough's summit plateau is a Scheduled Monument, featuring archaeological remains believed to be an Iron Age hillfort or earlier burial cairns. This adds a fascinating historical dimension to the geological wonders of the peak.
Which peaks offer a sense of remoteness or a quieter hiking experience?
Great Shunner Fell Summit, while accessible via the Pennine Way, provides a sense of remoteness and a classic British mountain walking experience. Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell also offer a chance to explore less-known, high hills with straightforward walking amidst rolling moorland.
What are some lesser-known but rewarding peaks to explore near Hawes?
Beyond the famous Three Peaks, Park Fell Trig Point, located north-east of Ingleborough, offers a typically quieter way to climb with fantastic views of Whernside. Dodd Fell Hill and Wether Fell also provide excellent walks with superb views over Wensleydale, offering a chance to explore the less-trafficked high hills of the Yorkshire Dales.
Can I find pubs or cafes near the mountain walks around Hawes?
Hawes itself, and surrounding villages, offer various amenities including pubs and cafes. For example, the Pennine Way passes over Great Shunner Fell Summit, which is accessible from Hawes via the Pennine Way, passing Hardraw Force. Many routes will eventually lead back to or pass through areas with facilities.
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