Whernside

Mountain Highest Yorkshire Three Peaks summit with extensive limestone pavements

A Yorkshire Dales peak and part of the Three Peaks challenge. Walkers tackle its upland ridge for long-distance hiking, limestone scenery and expansive northern views.

Main image

Whernside is a prominent hill in the Yorkshire Dales of northern England and the highest of the Three Peaks in that classic walking challenge. Its summit reaches approximately 736 m (2,415 ft).

Walkers encounter open moorland, a defined summit ridge and extensive panoramic views across the Dales; the peak is most often climbed on routes that link it with Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent as part of the Three Peaks circuit. Paths range from steep ascents to gentler ridge walks depending on the approach.

The area has a history of upland farming and historic trackways; more recently it has been popular with recreational hillwalkers and as part of organized walking challenges. Quarrying and railway heritage are visible in nearby valleys such as around Ribblehead.

Whernside stands in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England, overlooking the Ribblehead area and within driving distance of towns such as Hawes and Settle.

  • Elevation and route: The summit reaches about 736 m (2,415 ft) and is commonly climbed as part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks walking route of roughly 37 km (24 miles).

What to See #

  • Summit: Summit area and ridge that form the highest point of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, offering broad views across the Yorkshire Dales and toward the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Whernside
Whernside, Yorkshire Dales National Park - summit coordinates approx 54.2295°N, 2.4056°W
54.2295, -2.4056
Free

How to Get to Whernside #

The usual start is at Ribblehead near the famous railway viaduct. Rail: trains run to Settle station; from Settle, a short taxi or local bus (seasonal) will take walkers to Ribblehead (about 8-10 km). By car: follow A65 to the Settle/Ribblehead area; small car parks are available near the viaduct.

Tips for Visiting Whernside #

  • Start the classic Whernside route from Ribblehead station/viaduct early to catch sunrise hitting the viaduct arches.
  • Bring a map and compass (and know how to use them) - cloud and mist can appear quickly on the Three Peaks.
  • If parking at Ribblehead use the small car park by the viaduct; trains run to Settle and there are regular buses in summer.

Best Time to Visit Whernside #

Whernside is best in late spring through early autumn for stable conditions and longer days; winter requires navigation skills and winter kit.

Late spring to early autumn
May-September · 5-18°C
Longest daylight and generally the best walking conditions; lambing season in spring makes for more walkers and farm traffic.
Autumn
October-November · 0-12°C
Crisper air and clearer visibility; good for photography but days shorten fast.
Winter
December-March · -5-5°C
Snow and ice are common; treat the Three Peaks as a winter mountaineering route and check mountain forecasts.

Weather & Climate near Whernside #

Climate

Whernside's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2132 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (237 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

237 mm
Rainfall
10.0 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.7h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

166 mm
Rainfall
9.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

191 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
13.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
15.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
16.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
16.4h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

159 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
14.7h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (224 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

224 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (235 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.3h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (239 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

239 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

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