A six day (five walks) visit to the Dales from our base at Hawes. The walks included a variety of terrain including high level Dales 30 peak-bagging days and also lower level river bank and valley wandering. Historical sites were visited, such as the magnificent Bolton Abbey and also the impressive Adam Sedgwick memorial stone in Dent. None of the walks started more than an hour's drive from Hawes and in true Yorkshire fashion, all the carparks at the start were free!
Click on the above map for an interactive map of the routes in this Mini Venture. Use the toggle slider to display the specific routes that you want to see on the map.
The Trails Map (dropdown, top right) is the best free map for displaying footpaths and topography. Expand to full screen (cross arrows, top right) to see route detail. Ordnance Survey maps can be used with a small subscription to Plotaroute.
See the Captain's Log of individual days for details of GPX Downloads, Plotaroute Maps and Map/Directions PDF.
Duration: 5 days
Date: 22-27/02/2026
Overall Length: 46.11 miles
Overall Height Gain: 2371 m
Route: Various - see below
Day 1 - It's Been A Lovely Shunner
Accompany the Pennine Way from Hawes on the long ascent to the lofty top of Great Shunner Fell. Take a moment in its summit cross shelter to admire the extensive views of the surrounding Dales. Then take a meandering path over remote moors and drop down to the top of Buttertubs Pass. Another climb delivers you to the summit cairn on Lovely Seat. Head southwards over a trackless moor before picking up a good stone track that leads you into Wensleydale and then back to Hawes.
Day 2 - Malham Tarn Tops To Arncliffe
A beautiful walk over high limestone tops. Starts near to Malham Tarn and gradually heads upwards into the limestone scars to the northwest. Wonder at the delicately balanced erratic rock at Lee Gate High Mark. Descend near the spectacular waterfalls at Cote Gill. A short road walk along the Littondale valley leads you to the twee village of Arncliffe. Climb out of the village on the wonderful Monk’s Road high above Cowside Beck. Weave through limestone humps and hillocks before returning to the watery expanse of Malham Tarn.
Day 3 - Barden, Bolton And The Wharfe
A stunning walk that follows the River Wharfe downstream from Barden Bridge to Bolton Abbey, before returning on the opposite bank. On the way it visits the spectacular Posforth Gill Force in the Valley of Desolation. Enjoy wonderful views of the mighty river from the easy woodland trail. Visit the remains of Bolton Abbey (Priory), a 12th century Augustinian monastery. Take a tour of the ‘still working’ parts of the priory and learn about its association with the nursery rhyme, ‘Hey Diddle Diddle.’ Take a carrot-cake and coffee fuel stop at the Cavendish Pavilion. On the return to Barden Bridge, visit the rock slabs of the Strid, where the Wharfe narrows to a few metres. There's plenty of opportunity for a spot of bird watching throughout the walk.