SE0277 : Cairn near the top of Little Whernside

Little Whernside

605m Elevation
78m Prominence
England Country
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SE0277 : Cairn near the top of Little Whernside

David Brown Photo source

Explore routes near Little Whernside

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

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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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Circular

8.8 km ~2h 40m Easy

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Richmond Yorkshire

4.1 km ~49m Easy

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Route planning notes

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

Whernside circular route

A popular circular route that takes in the scenic valleys and moors surrounding Little Whernside.

9.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Dewey

Elevation

605m

1,985 ft

Prominence

78m

Coordinates

54.1943, -1.9585

SE028776

OS Map

98

Explorer: OL30S

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn, providing a perfect spot for a celebratory snack after conquering the peak.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops with the occasional boggy patch to keep you on your toes.

Little Whernside is predominantly composed of limestone, which contributes to its unique karst landscape. Expect some fine examples of limestone pavement and dry stone walls scattered about.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the iconic Three Peaks, the Ribblehead Viaduct, and the sprawling Yorkshire Dales.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Little Whernside is thought to derive from 'Whern,' meaning 'thorny', and 'side,' suggesting its location on the hillside.

Historical Significance

Little Whernside has been a popular destination for walkers and hikers for many years, serving as a key part of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the small layby near the village of Ribblehead, approximately 3 km from the summit.

Public Transport

The Ribblehead station on the Settle-Carlisle railway is the nearest public transport option, with a short walk to the starting point.

Nearby Facilities

The nearby village of Ingleton has cafes, pubs, and toilets, making it a great spot to refuel after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of changing weather conditions, as they can become unpredictable, especially in winter. Also, the terrain can be slippery, so watch your step!

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 Little Whernside?

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

Are there other walkers around Little 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 Little Whernside search or of course create your own walk for Little Whernside

Can I organise a walk to Little 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 Little 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 Little 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 Little 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SE028776

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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