Two contrasting fells

Summary

Sharp Haw & Rough Haw lie near Skipton on the border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Standing at a mere 1171ft (357 metres), it earns its ‘Sharp’ credentials due to rising to a point, whereas ‘Rough Haw’ is much more rounded and rugged. A fine contrast between the two. They are part of Flasby’s five fells, but only two are named - Sharp & Rough Haw. Whereas the rest are crag lines. The summit is easily accessed with a 360 panorama of the area that includes: Rylstone cross, Embsay Crag, Barden Moor, Cracoe, Hetton, Gargrave, Skipton, and Pendle Hill. A simple but rewarding hike that is well worth the trip!

The Hike

I’d arrived early morning, parking on bog lane. It is by far the easiest and most accessible way to the summit of ‘Sharp Haw’. It was a clear and sunny day in the Dales and the pointed peak stood prominent ahead. I felt a slight breeze in the air and began my adventure. I followed along a gravel road before turning right onto an exposed boggy piece of land. The path rose slightly, and I couldn’t stop looking around. I was spoilt for choice with 360 panorama views. The beauty of the landscape framed my mind, and I couldn’t have been happier roaming the Dales.

One thing that struck me as I approached the summit. Why have I not been here before? It was fantastic! Every direction I looked held a painted landscape of different shades of greens, browns, oranges, and yellows. I stood there for a while, admiring all the shapes and colours of the rolling fells before I decided to make my way to Rough Haw. The path dropped down steeply and therefore rose steeply to the trig point. The valley below was sheltered from the elements, however, when I arrived at the summit. I was hit by a bitterly easterly wind. Nearly blowing me off my feet. I perched myself on a rock for a while before I’d had enough of the cold and headed back down into the valley below.

From Rough Haw, I descended steeply down the same path back into the valley. I turned right at the bottom and continued along the path towards the outskirts of Flasby hamlet, returning via Crag Woods. The woodlands earthy smell filled my lungs. It was a welcoming change, whilst I walked through and slowly ascended up to a viewing point where I came across a memorial bench. An ideal location to stop for lunch and a chance to test out my new Brewkit from Alpkit. The noodles I cooked tasted delicious!

Onwards, I packed up and began the last part of the hike. The path brought me to an expansive area of forestry work which felt a bit bare with no trees. Nevertheless, while I continued, the views over Gargrave and beyond were great. I could see as far as Pendle Hill too! The path snaked its way alongside the woodland edge. Continuing onto an area of vast rolling hills that brought me back towards the beginning of the hike.

I was surprised at how short the hike had been and how much variety it had offered. I am a believer in exploring close to home, of discovering something new, even somewhere that feels familiar.

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