Description

After the tough trip from Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale this is a much easier day with much less vertical height gain and fairly straightforward navigation.

Much of the hiking is on Roman roads and former packhorse trails so you can get on with enjoying the wide open ambience of the moors without needing to concentrate too much on route finding.

If the weather is good then this day is even more wonderful, because the lack of big peaks around you mean that the sky can look huge, and the moors stretch as far as the eye can see with minimal evidence of human creations.

As you'll be able to tell from studying the map, much of this day is about avoiding challenge rather than seeking it, and you'll pass above some steep hillsides, but never go up one.

If you want to add a little more difficulty to what is an otherwise easy day, adding a detour up Dodd Fell Hill is a good, albeit often muddy, option.

Otherwise this is a lovely stroll, the only vague section of path being on the descent into Hawes.

Once in Hawes itself there are all the amenities you could need, so it's a good place for a gear reset/wash, and is also an ideal spot for a rest day if your schedule allows time for one.

Be aware that until you reach Hawes there is nowhere to stop en route today, so carry enough supplies to keep you going all day and then enjoy the ample options for calorie replenishment in Hawes.