Great Whernside
Great Whernside Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Classifications
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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
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.
Photo Gallery
View allPopular Routes
Kettlewell to Great Whernside
ModerateThis popular route begins in the charming village of Kettlewell and leads hikers through lush valleys and over gentle slopes before rounding the summit.
Starbotton Route
ChallengingStarting from Starbotton, this path offers a slightly steeper ascent, showcasing some stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you climb.
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
Find Walking Companions
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Walks Near Great Whernside
More walks starting close to this area
Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribbonsdale
Ingleborough from Clapham
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Circular
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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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid Ref: SE002739
Nearby Hills
Buckden Pike
702m
Pen-y-ghent
694m
Rombalds Moor [Ilkley Moor]
402m
Nine Standards Rigg
662m
Ingleborough
723m
+ 5 more nearby hills
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