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.
Whernside at a Glance#
Address: Whernside, Yorkshire Dales National Park - summit coordinates approx 54.2295°N, 2.4056°W
Admission: Free
About Whernside#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Whernside#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 3° | -6° | 237 mm | overcast | 95% | 10.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 3° | -6° | 166 mm | overcast | 94% | 9.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 5° | -4° | 191 mm | overcast | 90% | 9.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 8° | -1° | 126 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 12° | 4° | 120 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 15.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 120 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 16° | 12° | 134 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 8° - 16° | 12° | 159 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 13° | 6° | 181 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 224 mm | overcast | 91% | 8.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 235 mm | overcast | 94% | 9.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 4° | -5° | 239 mm | overcast | 95% | 9.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
