Great Shunner Fell - Saturday 11 September 2021
Route
Hawes - Haylands Bridge - Hardraw - Hearne Top - Black Hill Moss - Hearne Head - Great Shunner Fell - Pickersett Edge - Hearne Coal Road - Hardraw - Haylands Bridge - Hawes
Parking
Plenty of parking in Hawes both free and Pay & Display.
Mileage
12.5 miles
Terrain
Good paths and tracks throughout.
Weather
In and out of low cloud as we made our way to Great Shunner Fell but cleared to give us sunny spells on the descent.
Time Taken
5hrs 30mins
Total Ascent
1686ft (514m)
Map
OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas (Wensleydale & Swaledale)
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Fudge
Hawes - Haylands Bridge - Hardraw - Hearne Top - Black Hill Moss - Hearne Head - Great Shunner Fell - Pickersett Edge - Hearne Coal Road - Hardraw - Haylands Bridge - Hawes
Parking
Plenty of parking in Hawes both free and Pay & Display.
Mileage
12.5 miles
Terrain
Good paths and tracks throughout.
Weather
In and out of low cloud as we made our way to Great Shunner Fell but cleared to give us sunny spells on the descent.
Time Taken
5hrs 30mins
Total Ascent
1686ft (514m)
Map
OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas (Wensleydale & Swaledale)
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Fudge
GPX File
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Route Map
From the centre of Hawes the route heads to the north along the Pennine Way which is followed all the way to the summit. It is a well trodden route that is well signposted initially, however as always people attempting this walk should be navigationally savvy and able to do so in poor conditions.
Haylands Bridge
After crossing Haylands Bridge the route passes along Brunt Acres Road for a short time to reach a stile in a wall on the left
Once through the stile the going is very good passing through several fields on the way to Hardraw
For those that are familiar with this area you will probably be aware of the popular Sheep Dog demonstrations that take place weekly near Haylands Bridge. On a previous walk we had a chat with a local near this spot who informed us that the annotated painted stones were in memory of the Sheep Dogs that formed part of the demonstrations over the years.
The Green Dragon at Hardraw. As of May 2023 it was open once more after being closed for a while. To the rear of the pub is Hardraw Force which can be accessed from the right hand side of the pub through a turnstile once a fee is paid. The waterfall is famously known for the scene in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves where Maid Marian catches Robin Hood bathing under the waterfall.
Never one to pass up the opportunity of helping out local businesses, we availed ourselves of the hospitality at The Cart House Tea Room in Hardraw. They had probably been up all night baking the cakes therefore the least we could do is help them with their stock control.
Hardraw Beck
The bridge over Hardraw Beck
Crossing the bridge a track leaves the road to the right to pass to the side of a few houses
The track becomes rougher as it starts to climb gently
After a while the track reaches a gate that gives access to the open moorland
Shortly after passing through the gate a signpost is reached. We would be heading along the Pennine Way to the left but would be making our return via Pickersett Nab and the Hearne Coal Road which is to the right.
Fudge waits at the signpost appearing unsure as to which way we are going. We would be continuing up the track to the right - the post on the left points the way to Cotterdale.
Looking back down to our route of ascent - the hills in the distance are Drumaldrace and Dodd Fell
The path had now turned to grass and was much better than loose stone
Passing Humesett Crags
The path continues on passing several cairns as it gently climbs towards the summit of Great Shunner Fell
After what seemed like a long time, the summit cross shelter suddenly appears
The cross shelter on the summit of Great Shunner Fell - the Trig Point is on the left and forms part of the shelter
The Trig Point on Great Shunner Fell complete with bench mark
Leaving Great Shunner Fell, we continued along the Pennine Way for a few yards to reach a gate. The path through the gate leads to the village of Thwaite however we would be heading along the fence line to the right.
The route continues along the fence line on a clear path
Looking across Buttertubs to Lovely Seat
High Clint across Buttertubs
Having passed through Hardraw once more, we made our way back to Hawes via the lovely path below the Pennine Way
Heading for Haylands Bridge - mixed weather conditions today but still a fabulous walk