The Hawes to Hardraw Force walk is one of the most rewarding short walks in the Yorkshire Dales, combining charming market town views, rolling green hills, and one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls. Just a stone’s throw from the town of Hawes, the circular route offers everything from hearty local food to breathtaking scenery — and even a touch of TV and film fame.
Start Your Walk in the Beautiful Market Town of Hawes
Your journey begins in the picturesque market town of Hawes, one of the most popular destinations in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This quaint spot is best known as the home of Wensleydale Cheese — made famous by Wallace & Gromit — and for the gentle Gayle Beck waterfall, which flows right through the heart of the town.
Before setting off, fuel up at the local fish and chip shop, where you can try the legendary deep-fried Wensleydale — a must-try local delicacy. The oozing cheese and crispy batter are the perfect pre-walk indulgence.
Follow the Pennine Way from Hawes to Hardraw
From the centre of Hawes, head upstream along Gayle Beck and join the Pennine Way, one of the UK’s most famous long-distance trails. The path is easy to follow and takes you through open fields, over stiles, and past stunning views of Widdale Fell and Great Shunner Fell.
If you fancy a peaceful detour, stop at Cotter Force, a small but beautiful series of waterfalls just outside Hawes. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and makes a perfect rest stop — especially if you fancy dipping your toes in the cool, clear water.
Arrive at Hardraw and Visit Hardraw Force
Continue following the Pennine Way until you reach the tiny hamlet of Hardraw, home to the spectacular Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall at roughly 100 feet (30 metres).
Access to Hardraw Force is through the Green Dragon Inn, a centuries-old Dales pub complete with stone floors, oak beams, and open fires. There’s a small entry fee to reach the waterfall, but it’s worth every penny for the view.
The Green Dragon is also a piece of television history — it doubles as The Darrowby Arms in Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small. As you sip your pint of Yorkshire ale, you might just picture Tristan Farnon popping in for one himself.
The History and Fame of Hardraw Force
Hardraw Force has inspired artists and filmmakers for centuries. The great J.M.W. Turner painted the falls in the early 19th century, capturing its raw power and beauty. It also appeared in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where Kevin Costner famously bathed beneath the cascade.
After heavy rainfall, the waterfall is truly awe-inspiring — a roaring curtain of white water surrounded by cliffs and greenery.
Return to Hawes and Reward Yourself
Once you’ve soaked in the beauty of Hardraw Force, follow the Pennine Way back to Hawes to complete the 3-mile (5 km) circular walk. The route is suitable for most abilities and offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and traditional Yorkshire charm.
Back in Hawes, treat yourself to an ice cream or a drink in one of the local cafés or pubs — you’ve earned it. And if you have more time in the area, why not extend your adventure?
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring historic villages, or simply looking for a great Yorkshire walk with a pub at the end, the Hawes to Hardraw Force walk ticks every box.
The village was made famous for being the home of Wensleydale Cheese, which you’ll know from the pop culture hit Wallace & Gromit. And, if you’d like some energy pre or post walk, we recommend the fish & chips shop in town that serves the greatest things ever. Deep-fried battered Wensleydale. It is to die for. The cheese oozes out and is great for scooping up with your chips as a makeshift fork.
If you choose to visit the chippy in Hawes, the Hawes to Hardraw Force walk will be one of the most rewarding things you do. You can take in a series of waterfalls, including the one that sits in the middle of this market town. Initially, you follow the famous Pennine Way before heading behind the Green Dragon pub to visit England’s highest single-drop waterfall.
Before reaching the spectacular force that is Hardraw, take in Cotter Force, which also sits along the River Ure, The series of waterfalls is all close together and surrounded by lush greenery. You can dip your feet in the water to cool down on a hot day at the top of the falls.
And, there is a visitors centre to visit that serves delicious ice cream. I know ice cream, fish & chips, pints. It’s a good job you’re doing a decent walk to burn some of those calories off, isn’t it?
Head upstream from Hawes, Gayle Beck waterfall through the well-worn field track towards the narrow, wooded dale cut by Gayle Beck. You’ll hear the Aysgarth Falls before you see them, in all their splendour. The walk follows the Pennine Way, looking over Widdale and Great Shunner Fells until you reach the hamlet of Hardraw.
At the end of the easy Hawes to Hardraw force is The Green Dragon pub, and it is everything you want from a Dales establishment, stone-floored, wooden beams, classic pub grub, and a series of great ales to try. The entrance to Hardraw Force is behind the pub, and there is a fee to enter.
The pub is used as the Darrowby Arms in the popular Channel 5 remake of All Creatures Great and Small, and you feel like you might just catch Tristan Farnan walking in for a pint between vet visits.
The falls has featured in the artwork of JMW Turner, and at 100ft, we aren’t surprised. After a rain, this waterfall packs a punch. It was also featured in Robin Hood, where you can watch Kevin Costner get his kit off for a shower in the towering waterfall.
Check out this video of Hardraw Force below:
You can follow the Pennine Way back to the village to finish your circular walk of Hawes to Hardraw Force. Check out a more detailed route of the Hawes to Hardraw force walk here.
Read More: 16 Of The Best Pubs To Visit In The Yorkshire Dales
