Hawes to Hardraw Force
North Yorkshire
Hawes to Hardraw Force follows a well-worn field path across Wensleydale's traditional hay meadows to the village of Hardraw, where England's highest single-drop waterfall plunges 30 metres in an unbroken curtain into a circular pool enclosed by overhanging rock on three sides. This 7.2 km circular returns via field paths and farm tracks back into Hawes, with 225 metres of elevation gain across the rolling dale. Access to the waterfall passes through the Green Dragon Inn, which charges a small entry fee of around £4 and has hosted brass band competitions in the natural amphitheatre since Victorian times.
This dog friendly walk rewards with a genuinely memorable destination. The hay meadows around Hawes are exceptional in early summer — dense with wildflowers and rich with insect and small mammal scent. Dogs are welcome on lead at the waterfall and at the Green Dragon. However, leads are required throughout the route as it passes through working farmland with high livestock density, including cattle in the lower meadow sections. The walk suits most dogs well despite the lead requirement, with the varied terrain and the spectacle of the falls making it a worthwhile outing for any dog who enjoys countryside walking.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Full facilities in Hawes including cafes, pubs and toilets; Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw (entry to falls through pub, approx £4 adults)
- Parking
- Hawes National Park Visitor Centre Car Park, Station Yard, Burtersett Road, Hawes, DL8 3NT. Pay and display; cash and card
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawes to Hardraw Force dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk, which earns a solid 7/10 for dog friendliness. The route passes through some wonderful hay meadows and culminates at Hardraw Force, England's highest single-drop waterfall , a genuinely special destination for you and your dog to share. Access to the falls is through the Green Dragon Inn, which charges a small entry fee of around £4 and welcomes dogs on lead.
Can dogs be off lead at Hawes to Hardraw Force?
Leads are required throughout this walk, so it's not one for off-lead roaming. The route passes through working farmland with a high density of livestock, including cattle in the lower meadow sections, and leads are also required at the waterfall and inside the Green Dragon Inn. That said, the varied terrain and the spectacle of the falls make it a rewarding outing even for dogs who love a good run.
What should I know before visiting Hawes to Hardraw Force with my dog?
Keep leads on for the entire 7.2 km circuit , this is active farmland and the lead rule is firm throughout. Bear in mind that reaching the waterfall involves passing through the Green Dragon Inn, where an entry fee of around £4 applies for adults. Full facilities including cafes, pubs and toilets are available in Hawes, and parking is at the National Park Visitor Centre Car Park on Burtersett Road, which accepts both cash and card.
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Hawes National Park Centre Car Park, Burtersett Road, Hawes DL8 3NT, United Kingdom
54.3037, -2.1932
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