SD7381 : The final romp, Cable Rake Top

Whernside

737m Elevation
408m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

SD7381 : The final romp, Cable Rake Top

Andy Waddington Photo source

Explore routes near Whernside

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

Ingleton Waterfalls Walk

6.8 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribbonsdale

10.1 km ~3h 50m Hard

View route

Ingleborough from Clapham

~5h Hard

View route

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

8.1 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Classic Yorkshire Three Peaks Route (Whernside Section)

This iconic route is part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and is a well-trodden path to Whernside. Starting from the Ribblehead Viaduct, the route ascends via the Dales High Way, offering breathtaking views of the viaduct and surrounding landscape. The summit provides panoramic vistas of Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent, and the surrounding countryside. The descent follows a clear path down to Bruntscar, looping back to Ribblehead.

13 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Whernside Circular from Ribblehead

A popular circular route starting at Ribblehead Viaduct. The path follows a steady ascent via the western slopes of Whernside, passing by aqueducts and open moorland. Reaching the summit ridge, walkers are rewarded with sweeping views. The descent takes a different path via Bruntscar Farm, eventually rejoining the outward route near the viaduct.

12 km ~4 hours Moderate

Dentdale Approach to Whernside

This quieter route begins in Dentdale, offering a less crowded ascent to Whernside. Starting from the village of Dent, the trail follows lush valleys and old packhorse tracks before ascending to the summit. The route provides a peaceful alternative with unique views of the Howgills and the Yorkshire Dales.

18 km ~6 hours Hard

Kingsdale Circuit via Whernside

This scenic circular route starts from Kingsdale. The track climbs steadily to Whernside’s summit, offering dramatic views of Kingsdale and beyond. The descent heads towards Twisleton Scar End, taking in limestone scenery before looping back to Kingsdale.

16 km ~5.5 hours Hard

Ingleton to Whernside Linear Walk

A linear route starting in Ingleton, this walk ascends Whernside via the village of Chapel-le-Dale. The path combines a mix of farmland, limestone pavements, and rugged mountain trails. Ideal for those who prefer a point-to-point challenge, the route can be extended to include nearby Ingleborough for a more demanding day out.

14 km ~5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

737m

2,417 ft

Prominence

408m

Coordinates

54.2290, -2.4020

SD738815

OS Map

98

Explorer: OL2W

At the Summit

The summit of Whernside is home to a stone trig point, a classic sight for hikers, and offers a large area suitable for resting and taking in the views. It's not uncommon to spot fellow hikers here, all wondering if they brought enough snacks.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some rocky sections intermixed with scree on the approach to the summit.

Whernside is primarily composed of limestone, a sedimentary rock that dates back to the Carboniferous period. The surrounding landscape features impressive limestone pavements and dry stone walls, characteristic of the area. The summit is adorned with a rocky plateau that’s shaped by glacial activity, giving it its dramatic contours.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales, including Ingleborough and the Ribblehead Viaduct. On a clear day, the Lake District mountains can also be spotted in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Whernside' is likely derived from Old English, with 'whern' referring to a 'whirl' or 'bend'—perhaps a nod to the shapes of the land and its surroundings.

Historical Significance

Whernside is not only a prominent feature in the Yorkshire Dales but also part of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, attracting walkers who relish a good leg-stretch followed by a celebratory pint.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking for Whernside is at Ribblehead, where there’s a small car park suitable for approximately 20 vehicles. Be sure to arrive early, particularly on weekends to nab a spot.

Public Transport

Regular trains run to Ribblehead from Settle or Carlisle. The Ribblehead station is just a short walk from the start of the walking routes.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Whernside, but nearby Ingleton has pubs, cafes, and toilets. The Ribblehead area also has picnic spots mainly on the approach trails.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden rain or strong winds even in the summer. The trail can be slippery in wet conditions, particularly in the grassy and rocky sections.

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 Whernside?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to 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 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 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 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: SD738815

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Ingleborough

Ingleborough

723m

 Pen-y-ghent

Pen-y-ghent

694m

The Calf

677m

Nine Standards Rigg

662m

Buckden Pike

702m
See 5 more nearby hills