Explore with Amie

The sun was out which meant that it was the perfect spring day to head out into the hills. I suggested that we walk in the Dales and head up Whernside as this is only one of the three Yorkshire Peaks that we haven’t done yet. It seemed like everyone else had the same idea as it was very busy around Ribblehead Viaduct – something to bear on mind with summer fast approaching. Who could blame them? It was a wonderful day and a lovely walk.

The beginning and end of this walk is crowned by Ribbleshead, or Batty Moss, Viaduct. This Grade II listed structure was designed by John Sydney Crossley, a chief engineer of Midland Railway. In 1869, construction began with over 2,000 men working on the project, most living in shanty towns built around the construction site. Sadly, over 100 men lost their lives during the building process and it was nearly ten years later in 1876 when the line was opened to passenger trains. The area surrounding the viaduct, where the workers lived, is now a scheduled ancient monument meaning that no unauthorised changes can occur in the area. It certainly is a magnificent structure and an incredible feat of engineering for the time period. You have constant views of the viaduct throughout the walk – if visibility is good enough – and head under it to finish off the circuit.

From the offset, this is a nice and easy walk to the top of the peak. You follow alongside the railway for 3km before dipping underneath it and beginning the long, gradual climb up Whernside. As I said, it was incredibly busy when we walked this route and that was mainly because an organised group were completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, hiking Pen y Ghent, Ingelborough and Whernside in 24 hours. That is such a great achievement and they were all in surprisingly high sprits as they walked their final peak. It is definitely something that I would like to do at some point! I’ve officially bagged them all but, not in the same day.

Whernside is the highest of the three peaks but is often thought to be the easiest. It doesn’t require any scrambling at all and is a long steady climb to the top in comparison to the other too. I would definitely agree that I found the walk to be the easiest too. At a height of 736m you can get some great views from the top on a clear day, including across to Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.

The descent is probably the hardest part of this walk because it is slightly steeper but it is perfectly manageable for a beginner walker. From then, the descent takes you through flat fields, through two farms and out under the viaduct. We actually went wrong on the return to Ribblehead and missed our path – that is what we get for not paying attention and following the crowd! It does mean that I can tell you about a lovely little farm shack selling snacks, drinks and ice creams along the route though! This can be found down Philpin Lane following your descent from Whernside and is well signposted as you walk through their farmland.

It’s a gentle circuit and overall just a lovely day out! I had a fantastic day out in the hills, despite the busyness. This one is popular for a reason: perfect for beginners, families and a great pub at the end of it!

For a more detailed look at the route, follow this link or the step by step instructions below.

Start Point: Station Inn, Ribblehead

1. From wherever, you have parked, head towards the Station Inn pub. On the right hand side of the pub, there is a gate onto the footpath signposted Gunnerfleet Farm. Start the route here.
2. Head down this path, the viaduct will be on your left. Keep the railway tracks on your left as you continue down the path.
3. Continue straight, ignoring the signpost for Winterscales and following the Public Bridleway towards Dent.

4. At the next junction, keep left and cross the bridge over the train tracks.
5. Follow this path to the gate and then head left towards Whernside.
6. Continue to follow this path to the peak!
7. At the peak, continue straight (opposite the path which you came up) with the wall on your right hand side.
8. Pass through the double gates, keeping to the main path.
9. Follow the path as it bends to the left.
10. Continue on until you reach another gate and the path meets a road/track – there was an icecream van here! – turn right and then left, heading down Philpin Lane.
11. After a km, the track bends to the right. On the left there is a gate and a footpath sign. Follow this path! Although if you want a snack or a drink, head further along the track for a pitstop at a lovely little farm shack cafe.
12. Continue down the path through the gate and diagonally across the field.
13. The path soon joins a gravel track.
14. At the junction, take the track to the right, passing a holiday cottage and Gunnerfleet Farm. You will be able to see the Viaduct up ahead.

15. Continue down the path, passing through the farm and under the Viaduct.
16. Return back to the Station Inn and to the car!

End Point: Station Inn, Ribblehead

Have you walked up Whernside?

Amie x