Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Rowland Nock Distance: 9 miles
From the car park we head out of Hawes to Gayle and into Sleddale passing the beautiful Aysgill Force waterfall. We then pick our way round to Spillian Green for lunch by one of the classic old barns found in the Dales. From here we continue our circular route via the old Appersett Viaduct which spans Widderdale Beck. It is possible to abseil off this if anyone has a rope! This viaduct formed part of the old railway line connecting on to the Settle to Carlisle line. In the absence of a rope, we’ll descend to the lane, cross over the beck using the road bridge, and wend our way round to Hardraw. For those up for it, and time permitting of course, there is always the possibility of taking a detour to Hardraw Force. This can only be accessed via the pub in Hardraw and you will be asked to pay £2 in the pub for the privilege. From Hardraw we head off to Sedbusk over many stiles (good work out) and back to Hawes.
Moderate Leader: Jackie Gudgeon Distance: about 8 miles
Hawes – Burtersett – Hawes End – Semer Water – Carlows – Gayle – Hawes.
We follow rising field paths to Burtersett then climb, mostly on quiet lane, until we get a nice view of Semer Water. We circle the crag of Green Scar to join briefly the Cam High Road (the old Roman road from Bainbridge) and then descend back into Gayle, a charming old mill village, and back to Hawes. Two climbs totalling about 800 ft.
Please accept my apologies in advance as I have been unable to recce this walk – so we can all get lost together! Only joking (I hope!).
Leisurely Leader: Derek Lee Distance : 7 miles
We leave Hawes southwards to the village of Gayle, then climb westwards on to the moors at Thorney Mire House before dropping down to Appersett. Then a climb up the other side of the valley to the moorland of Bluebell Hill and a gradual descent eastwards to Hardraw where we should have a chance to see the famous waterfalls (there is a fee!). Finally a climb out of Hardraw to pass through meadowland eastwards to Sedbusk before we descend southwards and cross the valley back to Hawes. Three noticeable hills, one with steps to help part of the way, each of about 150 feet, otherwise gentle ascents, and good views from both sides of the valley.
Easy Leader: Ruth Melling & Hazel Anderton Distance: 5 miles
A sort of figure of eight walk. After leaving town we make out way up gradually rising fields towards the hamlet of Burtersett, then turn and walk along an elevated footpath, with nice views across the valley, towards the village of Gayle. We go up through the village, then make our way along the side of Gayle Beck valley until we reach Aysgill Force waterfall (not to be confused with the much better known Aysgarth). We walk along the side of the beck as far as we can, then go back onto fields, skirt Gayle and return to Hawes.