Top 20 Natural Monuments around Hawes

The area around Hawes is rich in dramatic natural features. You can explore Hull Pot, a massive collapsed cavern, or witness the spectacular Whernside Summit, the highest of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks, offering extensive views. Don't miss Hardraw Force, England's highest single-drop waterfall, or the triple-tiered Aysgarth Falls, both known for their beauty and historical significance.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Buttertubs Pass Climb from Hawes is a demanding mountain pass with gradients up to 20%, popular with cyclists. Hikers can tackle the ascent to Whernside Summit or Great Shunner Fell Summit, both offering rewarding views after a strenuous climb.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Whernside Summit, where on a clear day you can see across the Yorkshire Dales and even to Blackpool Tower. Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter also provides some of the best views in the Dales, including the Howgill Fells. Malham Cove offers stunning vistas from its unique limestone pavement.

Absolutely. Hardraw Force offers an easy, gravelled path suitable for most abilities to reach the impressive waterfall. Aysgarth Falls features accessible paths within the Freeholders' Wood Local Nature Reserve, making it great for walks and picnics with children. Malham Cove also has a walk to its foot, which is manageable for families.

Many natural monuments, especially waterfalls like Hardraw Force and Aysgarth Falls, are most dramatic and impressive after heavy rainfall. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery with wildflowers or changing foliage, while summer provides generally milder weather for hiking. Winter can be stunning but requires appropriate gear for potentially challenging conditions.

The area around Hawes is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. For example, explore easy hikes around Hawes by visiting this guide. Mountain biking and gravel biking are also popular, with routes like those found in the MTB Trails around Hawes guide and the Gravel biking around Hawes guide.

Yes, the region is famous for its unique geology. Hull Pot is a remarkable collapsed cavern, 91 meters long and 18 meters deep. Malham Cove is a massive, curved limestone cliff with a distinctive limestone pavement above it, formed by glacial meltwater. Gaping Gill, while usually only accessible to cavers, is the UK's largest underground cavern with a monumental subterranean waterfall.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views from summits like Whernside Summit and Wild Boar Fell Summit Shelter. The dramatic cascades of Hardraw Force and Aysgarth Falls are also highly appreciated, especially after rain. Many enjoy the sense of achievement after tackling challenging routes like the Buttertubs Pass Climb and the unique experience of exploring the region's diverse geological features.

Hardraw Force and Aysgarth Falls have both inspired artists like J.M.W. Turner and William Wordsworth and served as filming locations for movies such as *Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves*. Malham Cove has also appeared in *Harry Potter* and *Doctor Who*. These sites offer a blend of natural beauty and cultural resonance.

Given the varied terrain and often unpredictable weather in the Yorkshire Dales, it's advisable to wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Layered clothing is recommended, including waterproof and windproof outer layers. Even on clear days, conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations like Whernside Summit or Great Shunner Fell Summit.

Some popular sites offer facilities. Hardraw Force has toilets, a café, and parking available at the nearby Green Dragon Inn and Heritage Centre. Aysgarth Falls also has a National Park Centre with a café and car park, making it convenient for visitors.

Gaping Gill is generally only accessible to professional cavers due to its challenging nature. However, twice a year (typically for one week in May and one in August), local potholing clubs organize 'winch meets' where the public can be lowered into the cavern in a boatswain's chair, offering a rare and unique opportunity to explore this monumental underground world.