Dales 30
Personal Journey

Wether Fell

Route Options
Height

614m (2,014ft)

Location

Central Dales

Neighbours

Dodd Fell Hill

Height

614m (2,014ft)

Location

Central Dales

Neighbours

Dodd Fell Hill

Gallery of Wether Fell

Wether Fell summit
Wether Fell summit
'Weekenders' on the summit
'Weekenders' on the summit
Near the summit
Near the summit
The descent of Wether Fell
The descent of Wether Fell
Lower Wensleydale
Lower Wensleydale
Upper Wensleydale
Upper Wensleydale
Dodd Fell Hill from Wether Fell
Dodd Fell Hill from Wether Fell
Gayle Bridge
Gayle Bridge

Jonathan’s View

"In contrast to its neighbour, Dodd Fell Hill, Wether Fell is a fine mountain in its own right. It is perched above Hawes, looking snootily down on the town whereas Dodd Fell Hill is set back. The slopes overlooking Hawes are full of interest, paths head off in all directions and the summit itself is perched well for the views north over Upper Wensleydale. Drumnadrace is actually the summit itself whereas Wether Fell is the full mountain, both are used equally.

Although it is usual that Wether Fell is usually climbed with Dodd Fell Hill the other routes are worthy of exploration, particularly the one following the old Roman Road towards the fort at Bainbridge. 

As the tracks are so good my mind tends to wander in to the history and present economics of the area. History can be found on the Roman Road, on the water powered cotton mills, stone settlements and the old trig point on Dodd Fell Hill; whilst all the present industries in the area are set out before you. From sheep farming to grouse shooting, tourism in the form of the Wensleydale Creamery and Gayle Mill to one of the largest forestry plantations in the area, it is a working landscape."

Routes up Wether Fell

There is a choice of routes up Wether Fell . They are shown on the map and described below. The GPX file describes my favourite route.

click the image to see a larger version of the mao

My Favourite Route

From Gayle/Hawes

Height to Climb

580m (1,900ft)

O/S Explorer Map
Parking

SD 872893. I tend to park on the road near the Wensleydale Creamery, it is easy then to pop in for a coffee at the end!

This route combines Wether Fell with Great Dodd Fell and is an excellent walk.

  1. Follow the village of Gayle to its west extreme and take the clearly marked Pennine Way ESE, initially via a wall protected lane but soon in to open countryside. The path/track climbs steadily for over 2 ½ km turning SSE before the land flattens out at the ‘inspirational’ name of Ten End Peat Ground. After a further 1km head uphill for the final 100m climb on tussocky ground to the summit trig point of Dodd Fell Hill. The trig point is not the highest point but the driest. (sensible lads these surveyors).
  2. From the summit of Dodd Fell Hill head just to the SSE for 1km (a faint path has formed) and join the Cam High Road. Heading due east (the shortest route) is purgatory. The Cam High Road is one of those arrow straight roads much beloved by the Roman’s. It makes for quick walking and aside from one short stretch the main danger comes from off road vehicles and forestry lorries. However both are rare and it is peaceful countryside.
  3. As the track climbs towards Wether Fell (from point 541m) the main decision is when to cut off and head for the summit. The best place is 150m beyond a wall at point 586m. The bridleway heading NW does not help in finding the summit. A trackless 25m climb brings you to a small cairn with good views (named Drumaldrace). Although there is a path heading north east from here it is for a series of grouse butts which pepper the area, sensible walking folk return directly to the Cam High Road.
  4. Back on the track carry on for 3/4km. When a wall is reached, pass through and take the bridleway heading north. Pass through 2 gates and a short steep descent, all on a good path.  The track continues north but there is a gate on your left, soon after you meet a wall. Take this footpath and follow it down through numerous fields of sheep and stiles to Gayle.

Near the summit

Alternative Routes

From Bainbridge

16km (9.5 miles)

475m (1, 555 feet)

  1. Park in Bainbridge and join the Roman Road which heads like an arrow (obviously) South West to just below the summit of Wether Fell
  2. After a short detour to the summit return to the Roman Road and at SD886872 join a bridleway forking right towards Semer Water. The path contours the fellside offering great views across Semer Water to the finely shaped Addleborough (A Good Little-Un). On reaching Countersett follow the road back to Bainbridge.

Hawes/Gayle

To fully appreciate the northern slopes of Wether Fell a straightforward climb and descent of the mountain from Hawes is recommended. It is also the quickest way to visit. Climb up the path from Gayle (to the east of the river) but to vary the descent take the path in to the delightful village of Burtesett and a return along a path with outstanding views across Upper Wensleydale.

The Dales 30 Book

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Each of the 30 mountains includes the following:

A full description of the Best Route

A personal view of the mountain from the author

High quality, colour photography

A sketch map showing the route & alternatives

Facts and anecdotes about the mountain and the nearby area

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