SE0073 : Great Whernside summit

Great Whernside

704m Elevation
288m Prominence
England Country
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SE0073 : Great Whernside summit

David Brown Photo source

Explore routes near Great Whernside

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Buckden Pike Wellington Wreckage and Memorial

9.7 km ~4h 30m Hard

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Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove

8.1 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribbonsdale

10.1 km ~3h 50m Hard

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Skipton to Gargrave Canal Walk

16.5 km ~4h 45m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Kettlewell to Great Whernside

This popular route begins in the charming village of Kettlewell and leads hikers through lush valleys and over gentle slopes before rounding the summit.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Starbotton Route

Starting from Starbotton, this path offers a slightly steeper ascent, showcasing some stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you climb.

7 km ~3 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall

Elevation

704m

2,310 ft

Prominence

288m

Coordinates

54.1610, -1.9984

SE002739

OS Map

98

Explorer: OL30S

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a sturdy trig point offering fantastic views and a few scattered stones—perfect for a selfie, if you're into that sort of thing.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy moorland with rocky outcrops.

The mountain is primarily composed of limestone, renowned for its karst topography and distinctive dry stone walls, which have been a hallmark of the Yorkshire Dales landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with the distinctive shape of Buckden Pike and the sprawling valleys below.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Whernside' is believed to derive from Old Norse origins, referring to the hill of the 'wherns' or 'whirl', perhaps hinting at the twisting paths encountered on its slopes.

Historical Significance

Great Whernside is not just a playground for hikers; it's a cherished piece of local heritage, with numerous legends tied to its serene landscapes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is parking available in Kettlewell, with additional options at the nearby village of Starbotton. Do note that it can get busy in peak season.

Public Transport

Buses run from Grassington to Kettlewell, making it accessible via public transport.

Nearby Facilities

Kettlewell has several cafes and a pub where you can refuel after your hike—just remember to leave room for the Yorkshire pudding!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of sudden weather changes; the conditions can shift quickly and severely.
  • Muddy paths in wet weather can make for slippery hiking.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Great Whernside?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Great Whernside through the maps

Are there other walkers around Great Whernside?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Great Whernside search or of course create your own walk for Great Whernside

Can I organise a walk to Great Whernside?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Great Whernside.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Great Whernside?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Great Whernside here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Great Whernside location map

Grid reference: SE002739

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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