High Clint, the Pike Hill Beacons and Hardraw Force walking and hiking route
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Walk Instructions
The Pike Hill Beacons are manmade sentinels, standing
on the edge of a plateau on the lower flanks of a high fell
named Lovely Seat. That fell and the adjoining Staggs Fell
stand high above the town of Hawes and the Wensleydale
valley. Naturally the route to the beacons is upwards, but
don’t be deterred. The incline is gradual and the outlook
magnificent. Physical effort will be amply rewarded.
Follow the main street in Hawes towards Barclays and H S
B C banks, leading in the direction of the Dales Countryside
Museum. Turn left at a road junction towards Hardraw. While
crossing the road bridge note the museum and the former
Hawes railway station to the right.
At the first opportunity leave the road on the left, to follow a
paved path across a field. Cross a road bridge, pass a cricket
ground then slip through a stile on the right - signposted
Sedbusk. A clear path leads over a ‘cobbled’ bridge
continuing across the fields towards a main road.
Cross the road to another stile, then using the right hand path
cross several fields and enter the hamlet of Sedbusk. Continue
to Chapel Cottage, cross the junction and walk up the right
hand side of the cottage passing a Primitive Methodist
Chapel - 1875. Follow the narrow road beyond the houses
to merge with a concreted farm track known as Shutt Lane.
Signposted North Rakes Hill.
Follow the track uphill to the end, then turn through a gate
marked with a Footpath sign, on the left Follow the
obvious track running in a depression with superb views of
Wensleydale already appearing - a foretaste of what’s to
follow. Leave this track on the left at the first bend, to walk
upwards adjacent with the wall, aiming towards a small
copse. Pass around the top side of this and onwards to
a gate, then walk half right to another gate. This is Shutt Gate
- a location title, not a discourteous Yorkshire command!
Still rising and leaving the enclosed fields behind veer ever so
slightly left, then curve right with the limestone outcrops of
High Clint on the left. There are several paths hereabouts, so
don’t be alarmed to see a waymarker on your right. All paths
eventually merge.
After about ten minutes you should encounter a solitary,
upright bridleway signpost near a broad track. Turn left along
the track. When the summit cairn appears on the left, it is
worth taking a detour to fully appreciate the vista. This being
the High Clint, the highest point of the outing.
From the summit cairn return to the main track and resume
the previous course, and follow it until you get to a fork. Take
the left hand fork eventually merging with Buttertubs Pass
road. Turn left along the road.
Note the tall wooden poles at the roadside. These are
snowpoles. A reminder of the times when deep Snowfalls
frequently covered this exposed section of road. The poles
were guides for the snowplough crews who battled to keep
the road open.
At the bottom of the hill turn right at the cottages to enter a
narrow lane. After 200 yards leave the lane on the left, using
either the steps or a stile and enter a wild garlic wonderland
known as Shaw Gill Wood.
A flagstone path leads through the brief section of woodland,
presenting a joyous scene as Shaw Gill Beck tumbles as a
succession of small waterfalls towards its 100 foot drop at
Hardraw Force.
Shaw Gill Woods was landscaped and planted in the C19th
by the Earl of Wharncliffe (a south Yorkshire coal baron) who
then owned nearby Simonstone Hall. Unfortunately, Hardraw
Force is out of bounds at this point.
Ignore the bridges to depart from the woods after passing
through a metal gate. At the road turn right, walking towards
Simonstone. Before reaching that hamlet turn right, cross a
ladder stile or cattle grid, then descend toward West House
farm. Seek a stile to the right of the house, then follow the
paved footpath downhill into Hardraw. Access to Hardraw
Force is through the public house. Small charge.
Whether or not you visit the waterfall, the walk continues
by entering the lane near the telephone box - signpost -
Brunt Acres Road. Simply use a succession of ‘gap’ stiles to
reach that destination, then swing right to return to Hawes,
retracing earlier footsteps.
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Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.
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