When enjoying a night out, the walk between two pubs is usually a gentle affair with lots of chat and merriment. However, there is a challenge in North Yorkshire that will pique the interest of those who love a pint and also enjoy a good hike.
The Dragon’s Ascent Challenge takes you to two historic pubs, over 1000 metres of ascent, and through 15 miles of stunning countryside. Sound right up your street? Perfect, then let’s dive deeper into the route.
Starting Point – The Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw
What a place to start! The pub dates back to the 13th century and is located in the small village of Hardraw in Wensleydale. It has open fires, stone walls, beamed ceilings, flagged floors, and great ales- everything you want from an ancient Yorkshire Inn.
Before you begin your journey, make sure you check out Hardraw Force. This beautiful waterfall is located just behind the pub and is the highest single-drop waterfall in England. It also experienced stardom when it appeared in the 1991 Kevin Costner film, ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’.
If you fancy staying the night before and having some pre-challenge pints and food, then they do offer highly comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.
Walk Through the Wild and Beautiful North Yorkshire Countryside
The walk between the pubs lets you see the full beauty of the North Yorkshire countryside. As you leave Hardraw, you will follow the Pennine Way through fields, passing dry stone walls, and experiencing breathtaking views of Wensleydale.
You will then come to the first major ascent of the walk – Great Shunner Fell. At 716 meters (2,349 feet), it is a steady but long walk up. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Yorkshire Dales in all its glory. If you get lucky and get a very clear day, you can see all the way to the Lake District and the North York Moors.
As you walk down from the summit, you come to the quaint village of Thwaite, where you can have a much-needed rest. Make sure you call in at Kearton Tearooms for a well-deserved cup of tea or coffee, a range of sandwiches, and sweet treats.
You will then make your way towards Keld and across the River Swale. Our top tip for this section of the walk is to look out for the two waterfalls after the bridge over the Swale – Kisdon Force and Catrake Force, which are only a short distance apart.
At this point in the route, it is a big push for the finish line! From Keld, you will make your way to Tan Hill. You will walk across the remote and wild Black Moor and Stonesdale Moor. This section will really make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. However, as you near the end of the long walk, you will see a glorious sight. The lone building you see in the distance is your final pub – The Tan Hill Inn.
The Finish Line – The Tan Hill Inn, Reeth
One of Yorkshire’s most famous pubs. This 17th-century pub is the record holder for being Britain’s highest public house at 1,732 feet above sea level. Its picturesque and dramatic setting has made it a must-visit for people from across the UK and internationally. It hit national news in 2021, when around 60 people, including an Oasis tribute band named ‘Noasis’, spent three days trapped in the pub.
It is a wonderful, welcoming place to finish the walk. They offer great food, a brilliant range of ales, and accommodation if you are tired after your long walk.
So, if you are ready to take on the challenge, you can find out more information about the Dragon’s Ascent Challenge on their official website here.
Read More: 16 Of The Best Yorkshire Dales Walks To Try
