NH1417 : At Point 862, looking WSW

An Elric

862m Elevation
19m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NH1417 : At Point 862, looking WSW

Richard Law Photo source

Overview

An Elric: A Hidden Gem in the Yorkshire Dales

Nestled in the enchanting Yorkshire Dales, An Elric stands proudly at an elevation of 326 meters. This Hewitt offers a delightful trek for both avid hikers and casual walkers alike.

Geology

The mountain is largely composed of limestone, contributing to the area's stunning karst topography. As you climb, you’ll encounter intriguing features like sinkholes and pot-holes that set the landscape apart and give it character—something to ponder while you enjoy your sandwich at the summit!

Route Information

The Classic Ascent begins at Hawes, a lovely village that acts as the perfect launchpad. This route is roughly 8.5 km long and takes about 3.5 hours to complete, making it a moderate trek that's manageable for most.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a cairn that marks the top along with breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales—keep your camera handy! The locals say that sheep are the real guardians of this mountain, and they certainly hold sway

Terrain

The terrain is a mix of rocky paths and grassy slopes, ensuring that your footing varies throughout the hike. This is excellent for those who fancy a bit of adventure mixed with a casual stroll.

Views

From the summit, the panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular. The Dales spread out beneath you, dotted with farms and the occasional herd of sheep, while the peaks of the Lake District loom in the distance. It’s particularly stunning in late spring and early autumn — the colours are simply to die for.

Hazards

As with any mountain, some caution is advised here. Watch out for loose rocks, and don’t let the unpredictable British weather catch you off guard. A sunny day can quickly turn cloudy, so pack a waterproof just in case. Better safe than soggy!

Nearby Summits

If you’re up for more adventure, consider tackling nearby peaks like Whernside (736 meters) or Ingleborough (723 meters) to complete your climbing trio in the iconic Three Peaks Challenge.

Access

Parking

You can find parking at the Hawes village car park, which is not only spacious but also conveniently located.

Public Transport

For those relying on buses, services are available from surrounding towns to Hawes. Check local timetables to ensure you don’t miss your ride!

Facilities

Once you’ve conquered An Elric, treat yourself to some local delicacies at one of Hawes' many cafes or pubs. And yes, there are public toilets, so little emergencies won’t ruin your day.

History

The name 'Elric' harks back to Old Norse, translating roughly to 'noble ruler'. This mountain may be small in stature, but it has a noble presence in the scenic Dales, steeped in local folklore and historical significance.

So, whether you’re going for the views, the challenge, or a good laugh with your friends, An Elric is a top-notch destination for your next outdoor escapade.

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near An Elric

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Glen Affric: Coire Loch Woodland Trail

4.6 km ~2h Hard

View route

Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock: Caledonian Canal Towpath

8.2 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Banavie to Glen Loy Aqueduct: Neptune’s Staircase Canal Towpath

13.3 km ~4h Easy

View route

Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

16 km ~6h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Classic Ascent

Starting from the village of Hawes, this route takes you through picturesque countryside before leading to the rocky ascent.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Unclassified

Elevation

862m

2,828 ft

Prominence

19m

Coordinates

57.2099, -5.0690

NH147174

OS Map

34

Explorer: 414N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a modest cairn surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding Dales, where sheep outnumber humans by a considerable margin.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassy patches perfect for both trekking and impromptu picnics—just don’t forget the sandwiches!

Primarily composed of limestone, An Elric boasts a karst landscape featuring intriguing sinkholes, cliffs, and pot-holes that keep the adventurous spirits entertained (and slightly confused).

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales and the distant peaks of the Lake District. On a clear day, you might even see the Three Peaks of Yorkshire in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Elric' is thought to derive from Old Norse, possibly meaning 'noble ruler'—quite a lofty title for a hill!

Historical Significance

An Elric is part of the historical landscape of the Yorkshire Dales and has been a site for local folklore and stories for centuries.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Hawes village car park (pay and display). Convenient and spacious, with enough room for many a 4x4 that’s never seen a muddy track.

Public Transport

Buses run from nearby towns to Hawes, but check the timetables carefully; they’re about as reliable as British summer weather.

Nearby Facilities

Cafes and pubs in Hawes offer refreshments. There are public toilets near the car park.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes—what starts as a sunny day can quickly turn into a classic British shower.
  • Loose rocks on steep routes make for a challenging descent, so watch your step!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up An Elric?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around An Elric through the maps

Are there other walkers around An Elric?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for An Elric search or of course create your own walk for An Elric

Can I organise a walk to An Elric?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to An Elric.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up An Elric?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to An Elric here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NH147174

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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