Hawes to Moorcock via Cotterdale

Walk 1 - An easy linear walk suitable for families taking in Hardraw and the remote hamlet of Cotterdale - 9 miles - 4.5 hours. The walk makes use of the Little White Bus service from Garsdale to Hawes. A possible deviation can be made at Hardraw to visit Hardraw Force where a small charge is payable at the Green Dragon pub. Alternatively the walk could be done in reverse parking at the Dales Countryside Centre in Hawes getting the bus back from the Moorcock Tea Room or Garsdale Station. Equally the walk can be done in reverse getting the bus back to the station. Back to Wensleydale Walks


Green Dragon at Hardraw	View up Cotterdale

From Garsdale Station or the Moorcock Inn take the Little White Bus into the centre of Hawes. The usual departure time in the morning is 1055. From the centre of Hawes walk toward Leyburn crossing Gayle beck and turn left towards the Dales Countryside Centre, Follow the road across the old railway bridge and on the other side the path leaves the road for a short while. The road is rejoined just before the bridge over the River Ure. Follow the road and after a slight uphill take the Pennine Way footpath on the left [near a row of trees]. Follow the path across a number of fields emerging at the back of Hardraw near the Green Dragon pub. There is also a tea room here.


Gayle Beck	Railway exhibit in the Dales Countryside Centre

Cross the beck on the road bridge and immediately after the old school building turn right following the Pennine Way signs again. This track weaves its' way slightly uphill and after 3/4 mile take path on left signposted Cotterdale. This follows the contour across pasture descending slightly. Keep an eye for a small gate on the left after 1/2 mile where the path turns left and right. A footpath sign will be seen. Don't cross the small stream immediately ahead but bear right with the fence on the left. At the end of this rough pasture cross small bridge and through a stile proceeding to meet towards the minor road through Cotterdale. Turn left along the lane passing several cottages and farm buildings with stream on the left. At a bend in the road and before the main road bridge across Cotter Beck turn left still with stream on left. Follow the right hand bank of the stream for a short while and cross the main river by means of a foot bridge.



Cotterdale

Proceed across the field and where the path meets the river again turn right slightly uphill to pass through a stile and continue uphill to minor road, Cross the minor road and continue diagonally uphill crossing a stile. At the shoulder of the hill turn right in front of a wall to join the Lady Anne Highway and proceed steeply uphill through a gate and passing a lime kiln. There is a handy bench just above.

Follow the track on the level with the wall on the left. The views are impressive and it is well worth getting to this vantage point. Pass through a gate. As the path turns to the right and descends slightly look for a new gate in the wall. Pass through the gate on the Pennine Bridleway. The path is well marked with timber posts and descends the hillside towards Cobbles Plantation and Ure Force Waterfalls. Pass through the gate at the bottom and turn left and then right across the farm access bridge . Immediately over the river bear left and cut diagonally along the new bridleway and through a gate to the rear of the Moorcock.

For the return walk to Garsdale Station, on leaving the Moorcock turn right and proceed along the main road towards Sedbergh for a very short while then turning left through a gate to follow the recently opened Pennine Bridleway which proceeds directly to the rear of the station passing under Dandry Mire Viaduct enroute. The station is slightly under a mile from the pub and 30 minutes should be allowed for this uphill walk! Remember that southbound trains run from the farthest platform and it is necessary to pass under the road bridge to gain access. Alternatively if returning to Hawes simply catch the bus from outside the Moorcock Inn

Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should always consult the relevant OS map. All timings are approximate and for a person of average fitness and ability.

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This page was last updated on 27-Apr-2024