By Vicky · Published Jun. 18th, 2022 · Updated Nov. 21st, 2022
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The short hike to Sharp Haw and Flasby Fell has amazing views over Wharfedale, Airedale and up into the Yorkshire Dales. The route is clear and the path is not difficult, plus there’s a perfect bench near the top of Sharp Haw.
Location
This walk starts from a small layby at a bend in Bog Lane, off Grassington Road. It’s a 5-minute drive from the centre of Skipton and 20 minutes from Ilkley.
Sharp Haw and Flasby Fell Hike Map
Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.
Tips
- It’s short enough to not carry anything with you (depending on the weather), but a waterproof jacket, a bit of water and a snack could be recommended.
- The map to take on this hike is the Ordnance Survey Explorer 2, SW Yorkshire Dales*.
- For short, informative walks in and around the town of Ilkey, check out IlkleyTreeTrails.
- For another short hike nearby, walk up Beamsley Beacon.
- You can find other Yorkshire ideas in our Yorkshire Guide.
From the car layby, you’ll see a wooden signpost and fence with Sharp Haw beyond. Head through the gate. The gravel track is initially wide as it follows a stone wall on your left. After about 400 metres, branch off the main track onto a more grassy track and continue heading towards the top of Sharp Haw.
The path gets steeper and steeper, though never too steep, and soon you’ll near the top of the hill. Make sure to keep looking behind you for the views back down.
The Top of Sharp Haw
There’s a shiny metal bench just before the dry stone wall at the top of Sharp Haw. It’s a great place to sit down for a snack and admire the views. When you’re ready to continue, pop through the wall to the white trig point at the very top. From here there are excellent views of the Yorkshire Dales.
Head onwards and down a slightly narrow path to the right to continue towards the next top, Flasby Fell. There’s some downhill followed by more uphill, which can be slippery as the path is narrow and slightly covered in sand.
Check out some other short walks in Yorkshire
- Almscliffe Crag Short Walk – between Otley & Harrogate
- Knaresborough Walk – northeast of Harrogate
- Embsay Crag Hike – near Skipton
- Sharp Haw and Flasby Fell Hike – near Skipton
The Top of Flasby Fell
Views from here are similar to those at Sharp Haw, though you can better see into the valley between you and Simon’s Seat opposite. The top is fairly flat and there isn’t really a marker. When you’re ready, head back on the small slightly steep path down off Flasby Fell.
Once you’ve passed through the first stone wall, look out for a signpost and track off to your left. This track joins the main track up where you walked earlier, but avoids having to head back up Sharp Haw. Once you rejoin the main track, it’s straight down the path and back to your car.
Guidebooks to explore more of Yorkshire
The Rough Guide to Yorkshire* is a great little guidebook and has a section on Ilkley and things to do nearby. The Yorkshire Dales Pathfinder Guide* has a good collection of short hikes suitable for the entire family and the Guide to North Yorkshire Pub Walks* has some fun walks in the Dales for those who are hungry and thirsty.
For another short hike nearby, why not walk up Beamsley Beacon, or for a longer hike on Ilkley Moor, hike across to the Doubler Stones.
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