Great Whernside

• One of the best mountains in the Dales
• Extensive views down Wharfedale
• Easy walking on good tracks

Great Whernside and its neighbour Buckden Pike are , in my humble opinion and along with Ingleborough, are the two best mountains to climb in the Yorkshire Dales. There is nothing particularly craggy or dramatic about them but they are superb walking mountains best appreciated by taking in as much of the main ridges as possible. In the case of Great Whernside I enhanced the pleasure by crossing the road which leads to Coverdale and only descended back to Kettlewell when I reached the Top Mere bridleway. The views from the road, which is actually a track,  reveal much of the secrets of Upper Wharfedale and its network of fields and side valleys. There is a direct descent to Kettlewell from the summit of Great Whernside but this misses so much of the pleasure on the walk. The long ridge is on lovely grassy paths, as is the first 1/2 of the ascent which helps make the walk so good.

Recommend: Combine Great Whernside and Buckden Pike for a magnificent traverse with views of all that is good about the Yorkshire Dales

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central areas
Start Point:	969723. Kettlewell. The NP car park is just over the bridge although I parked opposite in a field leased by the local garage - it was cheaper. Head up the southern hillside first leaving Top Mere Road for the descent.
Terrain:	The walking is superb throughout except for the trackless last 500 foot to the summit ridge. Much is on grass paths
Eating & Drinking:	Kettlewell is excellent with a choice of pubs and tea shops - the choice is all good
Similar Walks Nearby:	Buckden Pike & Upper Wharfedale An Arncliffe Kettlewell Circular Limestone Scenery from Conistone
Places to Stay: