ROUTE OVERVIEW
A ROUGH GUIDE TO YOUR JOURNEY
1 - Start at The Green Dragon Inn
Location: Hardraw, Wensleydale
Point of Interest: Before setting off take a short detour to visit Hardraw Force, the highest single-drop waterfall in England. It's just behind the inn and is a beautiful sight; a perfect start to your journey.
2 - From Hardraw
Path: Leave Hardraw via the path signed Pennine Way to the west of the bridge over Hardraw Beck. You will be following the Pennine Way. Watch for the sign-posts.
Landscape: The path ascends gradually through fields and past traditional dry-stone walls, providing lovely views back towards Wensleydale.
3 - Great Shunner Fell
Elevation: 716 meters (2,349 feet)
Path: The ascent to Great Shunner Fell is steady but long. The path can be quite boggy in places, so good boots are essential.
Summit: At the summit, there is a wind shelter where you can take a break and enjoy panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales. On clear days, you can see as far as the Lake District and the North York Moors.
4 - Descent to Thwaite
Route: From the summit, descend towards the village of Thwaite. The path is clear but can be steep in parts.
Village: Thwaite is a charming village, a good spot for a rest. There are amenities here, including Kearton Tearooms.
5 - Thwaite to Keld
Route: Leave Thwaite and continue north, climbing on the Pennine Way. round Kisdon Hill. Just before Keld the route crosses the Swale but a short detour brings you to Keld and the choice of two tearooms as well as Keld Green Cafe just beyond the village.
6 - Keld to Tan Hill
Route: Watch for the waterfalls after the bridge over the Swale. The way leaves Swaledale and climbs towards the moors.
Scenery: The landscape becomes more remote and wild as you approach Tan Hill. The path traverses open moorland, characterised by heather and peat bogs.
Navigation: This section can be tricky in poor visibility, so keep an eye on the Pennine Way markers and in poor weather be prepared to use a map and compass.
7 - Approach to Tan Hill
Final Stretch: As you near Tan Hill, the path levels out, but the terrain remains rugged to the top of Tan Hill itself from which you will look down on the Tan Hill Inn.
Arrival: The Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Britain, is a welcome sight. It offers food, drinks, and accommodation. The inn is renowned for its remote location and stunning views.
Please note - all forms of outdoor recreation can be potentially hazardous. Risk is always a factor when walking or running on the Pennine Way, especially when weather is adverse. It is your responsibility to learn the skills for safe hiking or trail running, wear the correct outdoor clothing, carry supplies and a trail map.