Whernside from Ribblehead

• Highest mountain in Yorkshire
• Beautiful Ribblehead viaduct
• Good tracks throughout

Whernside can be climbed from a number of different directions but for the Whernside virgin the classic 3 peaks ascent from Ribblehead is the best. The tracks that have been laid avoid the horrific peak hags that populate the upper slopes, it is a circular route and what I like best is that it starts and finishes at the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct. One of those massive Victorian age construction projects the Ribblehead Viaduct was completed in 1870. The bare facts of 24 arches, upto 104 foot high barely disguises the dangers of such a construction; to such an extent that the project paid for an expansion of the local graveyard to accommodate those who had died. The walk itself is just the right length for a good challenge; the paths are well constructed and the summit views befit the largest mountain in the area. As part of the 3 peaks challenge Whernside can become extremely busy but there are no satisfactory alternative routes from Ribblehead.  For those staying over towards Dent and Hawes the northern ridge is a good alternative. I have been up with a group on New Year’s Eve in the snow, retreating from the summit by the valley of Deepdale which was highly enjoyable.

Recommend: The best first peak to take visitors up who want to enjoy the Dales. It includes the highest point, an iconic structure and a good track that it is impossible to get lost on!

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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. OL2 Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Areas
Start Point:	767794. There is plenty of roadside parking at Ribblehead. The best route is anticlockwise, following the rail track on the east side past Bleamoor Sidings.
Terrain:	Thank goodness for footpath erosion controlled paths! Just picture yourself off the track on the climb up and how pleasant it is on it.
Eating & Drinking:	The Station Inn at Ribblehead correctly describes itself as a traditional Yorkshire pub, bleak in winter but always welcoming...at least to me!
Similar Walks Nearby:	Pen y Ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale Twisleton Scars from Chapel le Dale Heart of 3 Peaks Country
Places to Stay: