Whernside

A classic Yorkshire Dales mountain hike climbing the highest of the Three Peaks, combining high-level moorland walking, sweeping summit views, and the dramatic industrial heritage of Ribblehead Viaduct.

Length: 10 miles

Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate

From £40 per person

Discover Yorkshire's most breathtaking long-distance trails with Hike Yorkshire's expertly guided multi-day adventures. Our itineraries combine stunning landscapes, fascinating local history, and comfortable accommodation, allowing you to focus fully on the journey.

Ex- military guides

Educational hikes

Historical and folklore commentary throughout

Small groups

Do you need a guide?

Hike Yorkshire provides ex-military guides who are highly trained in navigation, first aid, fieldcraft, and fitness. Their local knowledge is invaluable in ensuring your day out is both educational and enjoyable.

Conditions on the hills can change quickly, so taking a well-drilled professional along is the best way to make sure everyone returns safe and happy.

This classic circular hike explores Whernside, the highest of Yorkshire’s iconic Three Peaks, rising above the dramatic landscapes of Ribblehead.

Starting near the famous Ribblehead Viaduct, this rewarding day hike combines steady high-level mountain walking with some of the finest industrial heritage scenery in the Yorkshire Dales. The route follows open moorland tracks before climbing gradually to Whernside’s broad summit plateau, offering sweeping views across to Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent, and the distant Howgill Fells on clear days.

From the summit, the panorama stretches across much of northern England, making the ascent a truly memorable highlight. The descent loops back via quieter fellside paths and valleys, giving a strong sense of scale and isolation despite the area’s historic human activity. While technically straightforward, the distance, exposure, and sustained ascent make this a demanding yet deeply satisfying walk for confident hikers seeking a classic Dales challenge.

Sights of Interest

Ribblehead Viaduct – A spectacular Victorian engineering landmark built in the 1870s as part of the Settle to Carlisle railway, constructed by thousands of navvies working in harsh conditions.
Bleatarn and Ribblehead Pastures – Open grazing land illustrating traditional upland sheep farming and the scale of the high Dales landscape.
Whernside Summit – At 736 metres, the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, offering wide views across the Dales, Lakeland fells, and Pennines.
Force Gill and Fellside Watercourses – Small becks and gills cutting through the slopes, showing ongoing erosion and water shaping the landscape.
Navvy Settlements and Railway Remains – Subtle traces of huts, trackways, and working areas linked to the construction of the Settle to Carlisle line.

Why Choose Whernside?

Climb the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, reaching 736 metres with far-reaching panoramic views
A varied route combining open moorland, steady ascents, and sweeping views across the Dales and Howgill Fells
Walk through rich industrial heritage near the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and historic railway landscapes