Walk from Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales, venturing up Whernside and back

Walking up Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales was definitely a first for me. A small group of us set off to scale the heights in early spring on quite a windy day with occasional low cloud covering the tops which just as soon appeared disappeared again. The path was well made up with plenty of sign posts, and large flag stones to walk on for part of the way.

We went in an anti-clockwise direction, an easier route, but for a more challenging walk do it the other way round. Just over eight miles start to finish with superb views every step of the way. Plenty of parking, if coming by car, on the large laybys by the side of the B6255 near the junction to Horton in Ribblesdale and Settle.

Take the path towards and alongside the Ribblehead Viaduct taking some time to gaze on this magnificent structure completed in 1870. Keeping the railway line on your left, pass the Blea Moor signal box. Continue straight on along the path now, you can always see your destination, cross over the railway line, cross streams, you’ll see a little waterfall on your left and you’ll be starting to climb. At the top keep the wall on your right, but pop through the stile there to have your photo taken at the trig point.

Time for a breather, and to really take in the views, on a clear day you can see the sea or Morcambe Bay at least, so I’m told. When ready, continue along the wall side and begin your decent. The path here is quite uneven and steep in places so take care. Back to the lowlands and the Dales High Way but quickly leave the Dales High Way in the direction of Winterscales and Ribblehead Viaduct and to where you started. Call in at The Station Inn for a warm welcome, a traditional Yorkshire pub well frequented by walkers.

Enjoy, I did!