Great Shunner Fell and Fossdale Moss loop from High Shaw

This loop is classified as a difficult hike, requiring very good fitness. While some sections follow well-maintained paths like parts of the Pennine Way, other areas, particularly across Fossdale Moss, are pathless, rough, remote, and can be very boggy. Significant elevation changes are also involved.

The terrain is diverse. You'll find established paths and quiet lanes in some parts, transitioning to intermittent and rougher tracks. Sections of the Pennine Way leading to Great Shunner Fell often have flagstones. However, other areas, especially Fossdale Moss, are prone to being wet and boggy, sometimes requiring navigation through deep, wet patches and coarse grass. Fossdale itself may involve pathless sections alongside streams.

The hike offers several notable points. You'll get a fantastic View of Hawes and Gayle from Hearne Top, reach the Great Shunner Fell Summit (the third highest in the Yorkshire Dales), and pass by Fossdale Moss Tarn. The summit provides spectacular panoramic views across Wensleydale, Swaledale, and Ribblesdale.

The best time to hike is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when conditions are generally drier and visibility is better. Winter hiking is possible but requires advanced skills, appropriate gear, and careful planning due to potential snow, ice, and extremely poor visibility on the exposed fells.

The loop starts from High Shaw. Parking is available in the vicinity of High Shaw, though specific designated car parks might be limited. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability before your visit, especially during peak seasons.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this trail. However, as much of the route crosses open moorland and farmland, it's essential to keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season (typically March to July) and near livestock. Be prepared for boggy sections that might be challenging for some dogs.

No, you do not need a permit or to pay an entrance fee to hike this route within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Access to the fells and public rights of way is generally free. However, please respect the countryside code and any local regulations.

Yes, this loop incorporates sections of other established routes. You will follow parts of the Pennine Way (Hawes to Tan Hill) and the Herriot Way. A small section also uses the Hearne Coal Road.

Navigation skills are crucial for this loop, particularly in poor visibility. While parts of the Pennine Way are well-flagged, sections across Fossdale Moss can be pathless and relatively featureless. Always carry a map, compass, and GPS device, and know how to use them. Weather conditions can change rapidly on the fells.

This loop is notable for combining the achievement of summiting Great Shunner Fell (the third highest peak in the Dales) with the remote and wild experience of Fossdale Moss. It offers a unique blend of well-trodden paths and more 'off-piste' sections, providing a true sense of isolation and expansive panoramic views.

While High Shaw itself is a small hamlet, the nearby market town of Hawes offers a good selection of cafes, pubs, and shops where you can find refreshments and supplies before or after your hike. It's a short drive from the trailhead.