
Wild Boar Fell
A wild and remote fell in the Yorkshire Dales, offering expansive views, challenging boggy terrain, and incredible camping opportunities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid boggy conditions

Wild Boar Fell
Best Time
Avoid boggy conditions

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wild and remote fell in the Yorkshire Dales, offering expansive views, challenging boggy terrain, and incredible camping opportunities.
"Experience a wild, remote escape with stunning views, but be prepared for boggy ground and changeable weather."

waterproof boots are a must! 🥾
The fell is very boggy. Invest in good waterproof hiking boots with ankle support to stay dry and safe.
Pack for all weather! ☁️
Even on nice days, expect wind, hail, and chilly temperatures, especially at the summit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wild Boar Fell Summit
Summit Trig Point
Experience a broad, remote summit with a classic trig point. Enjoy the feeling of isolation and expansive views.
Dramatic Escarpment Views
Edges of Wild Boar Fell
Walk along the escarpment for breathtaking, wild, and remote vistas across the surrounding landscape.
Sunset and Sunrise Camping
Wild Boar Fell plateau
Camp on the fell for absolutely fantastic sunsets and sunrises, a truly magical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footwear for Boggy Terrain
Summit Views vs. Remote Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
waterproof boots are a must! 🥾
The fell is very boggy. Invest in good waterproof hiking boots with ankle support to stay dry and safe.
Pack for all weather! ☁️
Even on nice days, expect wind, hail, and chilly temperatures, especially at the summit.
Advice for best time to visit Yorkshire Dales National Park?
Must-do hikes in Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
Camping for epic views ⛺
Camping here offers incredible sunsets and sunrises, but only attempt when the ground is dry.
Circular walk options 🚶♀️
Consider a 10-mile circular walk for a full experience, often ending with a well-deserved pint.
Suggestions wanted - easy(ish) hills/mountains with rewarding summits
Tips
from all over the internet
waterproof boots are a must! 🥾
The fell is very boggy. Invest in good waterproof hiking boots with ankle support to stay dry and safe.
Pack for all weather! ☁️
Even on nice days, expect wind, hail, and chilly temperatures, especially at the summit.
Camping for epic views ⛺
Camping here offers incredible sunsets and sunrises, but only attempt when the ground is dry.
Circular walk options 🚶♀️
Consider a 10-mile circular walk for a full experience, often ending with a well-deserved pint.
Remote and crowd-free 🤫
Enjoy a peaceful escape away from the busy trails, perfect for a quiet ramble.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wild Boar Fell for its wild, remote atmosphere and stunning, expansive views, especially from the escarpment edges. The opportunity for incredible sunsets and sunrises while camping is a major draw. However, the fell is notoriously boggy, requiring proper waterproof footwear, and the weather can be harsh with wind and hail.
"A brilliant 10 mile circular walk up Wild Boar Fell yesterday, stunning scenery even though it was on the chilly side, howling wind and hail on the summit. A decent pint in The Black Bull, Kirkby Stephens after the walk."
Anth Malloy
"This is a lovely broad summit, and one of the nicest trig pointed tops out there. To come here on a nice day is a lovely experience. The summit is set back quite a bit from the escarpment, so there is not much of a view from there, but there is a nice seat to park your butt on for a while."
david howells
"Great views from the top, wild and remote."
Stuart Klinke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wild Boar Fell is accessible from various points, often starting from Garsdale Head or near The Moorcock Inn. Many hikers use these as starting points for circular routes. Driving is the most common way to reach the trailheads, with parking available at designated spots. Check local maps for specific access routes and parking areas.
While public transport options are limited for direct access to the fell's base, the Settle-Carlisle railway line passes nearby, with Garsdale Station being a potential access point for longer hikes. From the station, you'd likely need to walk or arrange local transport to the trailhead.
Popular starting points include Garsdale Head, which allows for a substantial circular walk, and areas near The Moorcock Inn. These locations offer access to trails that lead up to the fell.
A 10-mile circular walk is frequently mentioned, often starting from Garsdale Head and incorporating Swarth Fell. This route provides a comprehensive experience of the area.
The terrain can be challenging, with significant boggy sections, especially after rain. Proper hiking boots are crucial. The ascent is generally gradual but can be demanding due to the wet ground.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wild Boar Fell is part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is open access land. There are no admission fees or tickets required to hike or explore the fell.
As it is open access land, there are no set opening or closing times. You can visit Wild Boar Fell at any time of day or night, though hiking in darkness is not recommended without proper preparation.
There is no dedicated visitor center directly at Wild Boar Fell. Information about the Yorkshire Dales National Park can be found at nearby visitor centers in towns like Malham or Hawes.
Wild camping is generally permitted under the Countryside Code, but it's essential to practice 'leave no trace' principles. Always check current local guidelines and be respectful of the environment.
While there aren't official guided walks advertised for Wild Boar Fell, you might find local walking groups or independent guides offering tours of the Yorkshire Dales. It's best to search online for local outdoor activity providers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time to visit is during dry periods to avoid the extensive boggy conditions. Late spring and early summer can be ideal for camping due to longer daylight hours and potentially better weather, though conditions can change rapidly.
You can expect wild, remote, and expansive views across the Yorkshire Dales. While the summit itself is set back, the edges of the fell offer dramatic vistas.
Due to the boggy terrain and potentially challenging weather, Wild Boar Fell might be better suited for families with older children or experienced hikers. Younger children may find the conditions difficult.
There are no facilities directly on Wild Boar Fell. You'll need to be self-sufficient. Nearby pubs like The Black Bull in Kirkby Stephen offer refreshments after a hike.
A typical circular walk can take around 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and the route taken. A 10-mile hike might take approximately 5 hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The escarpment edges offer the most dramatic photographic opportunities with sweeping landscapes. The summit area provides a sense of remoteness, and camping here allows for capturing stunning sunsets and sunrises.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides the most magical light for landscape photography. Overcast days can also create a moody atmosphere, highlighting the wildness of the fell.
A tripod can be beneficial, especially for capturing long exposures during sunrise/sunset or in low light conditions. However, consider the weight and wind on the summit when deciding.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the distance. Ensure your gear is protected from the elements, especially rain and wind.
Look for the textures of the moorland, the dramatic cloud formations, and the sense of isolation. The trig point itself is a classic subject, and if you're lucky, you might spot some hardy sheep or other wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older, more experienced children, Wild Boar Fell can be a fantastic place to explore. The feeling of remoteness and the chance to see a classic trig point can be exciting. Packing plenty of snacks and drinks is essential, as there are no facilities on the fell. A well-planned circular walk, perhaps ending at a local pub, can make for a memorable family outing.
🚶 Solo Hikers & Peace Seekers
Solo hikers should prioritize safety by informing someone of their route and expected return time. Good navigation skills and a reliable map and compass are essential, as mobile signal can be intermittent. The challenging terrain means that even experienced hikers should be prepared for slower progress than anticipated. The reward is an unparalleled sense of peace and accomplishment.
🏕️ Wild Campers
The key advice for wild camping here is to choose your spot wisely and only camp when the ground is dry. Respect the environment by practicing 'leave no trace' principles. Be prepared for exposed conditions; the weather can change rapidly, and the fell can be windy. Carrying all necessary gear, including shelter, sleeping bag, and food, is crucial as there are no facilities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Boggy Terrain
When planning your route, consult recent weather forecasts and consider the time of year. After periods of heavy rain, the boggy areas will be more extensive and difficult to traverse. Some hikers opt for specific paths that are known to be slightly firmer, but even these can become saturated. Embrace the challenge of the terrain; it's part of what makes Wild Boar Fell a wild and remote experience.
If you're considering camping, choosing a dry spot is paramount. Look for slightly elevated areas or patches of heather that might offer better drainage. Being prepared for wet feet is key to enjoying your time on the fell, even if you take precautions.
The Wild Camping Experience
However, the advice is clear: only attempt to camp when the ground is dry. The boggy nature of the fell means that camping on wet ground can be uncomfortable and potentially damaging to the environment. It's crucial to practice 'leave no trace' principles, ensuring you pack out everything you pack in and minimize your impact.
For the best experience, plan your camping trip during periods of settled weather. The sense of isolation and the vastness of the surrounding landscape make for an unforgettable night under the stars. The reward of waking up to a breathtaking sunrise in such a wild setting is well worth the effort of carrying your camping gear.
Summit Views and Beyond
Exploring the escarpment allows you to appreciate the wild and remote beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. The views from these edges are often described as stunning and provide excellent opportunities for photography. It's here that you can truly grasp the scale and ruggedness of the landscape.
When planning your visit, consider that the weather can change rapidly. Even on a clear day, the summit can be exposed to howling winds and hail. Therefore, packing appropriate layers and waterproofs is essential, regardless of the initial forecast. The wildness of Wild Boar Fell is part of its charm, offering a genuine escape from the everyday.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit