Whernside from Ribblehead - 8 miles

NEW WALK!! Today we tackle the highest of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks! Whernside stands at a height of 2,415 feet (736m).

We approach the peak from the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct which we pass by at the start of our walk as we ascend a small hill at one end of the viaduct to walk along a rocky, uneven path that takes us to the base of Whernside where we shall have a short morning break before starting the climb. It took me 1hr 10mins to reach the trig point from where we experience wonderful views as well as consuming our packed lunches.

We then embark along another rocky, uneven path before a sharp descent back down to the valley floor. We finish off our memorable walk by crossing a few fields & walking along flat tracks before arriving back at Ribblehead Viaduct, this time walking underneath it. Hopefully we’ll be fortunate enough to see a train going over!

Note 1: Whilst the climb is a challenging one, the descent is even more of a challenge given the sharp drop in gradient.

Note 2: Whilst I did the recce on a very pleasant day (15/5), the weather can be markedly different at the top of Whernside compared to our starting point so please bear this in mind.

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £3. No dogs please. Bring packed lunch/drink/snacks with you.
Please ensure you bring an appropriate amount of liquid refreshment!

Start point: We will meet close to the cattle grid just below the Station Inn pub (a stone’s throw from both Ribblehead Viaduct and the train station. The postcode of the pub is LA6 3AS.

Parking: Roadside parking. There are several unsurfaced ‘lay-bys’ off the road where you can park or you can park on the road itself. There is parking both at the pub and the train station but there are signs saying only park there if you are a pub patron or railway station visitor so if you park in either of these places it is at your own risk.

Car sharing recommended to spread the cost of getting there.

Start time: Please note the start time of this walk is 10.15 for 10.30 so you should be aiming to arrive at the earlier time to ensure you can find somewhere to park and have time to walk up to our start point from your chosen parking area. There is a possibility that either the pub or the railway station toilets may be open but neither of these can be guaranteed and again, you will need to allow time to potentially use the facilities rather than keeping the group waiting.

After-walk refreshment at the Station Inn.

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group does not have insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are required to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the Group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.