1 min to read
Hiking Whernside The Highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks
A misty climb with aircraft flyovers and a steep descent
🏔️ Hiking to the Top of Whernside
Whernside is the tallest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and although it’s often called the gentler giant, the weather on this trip decided otherwise, still in the midst of a storm so we got lucky. We began at the mighty Ribblehead Viaduct, an iconic and dramatic starting point.
Only a short way into the route, we reached a stunning waterfall section a perfect early highlight before the long, steady ridge climb.
✈️ A400 Flyover A Standout Moment
Not long after passing the waterfall, a deep rumble echoed through the mist. Moments later, an A400 military aircraft burst through the cloud line, sweeping low across the ridge and banking directly above us.
It felt like an unplanned, private airshow just for the us and the only other 2 hikers on the mountain that morning.
🌫️ Mist, Cold and Zero Views at the Summit
As we climbed higher, conditions worsened:
- Visibility dropped to just a few metres
- Temperatures fell sharply
- Wind whipped across the summit path
At the top, Whernside gave us no views whatsoever, just a ghostly, atmospheric summit shelter where we ate our packed lunch before quickly moving on.
⬇️ Steep Descent to the Farmland
The descent down Whernside’s eastern flank is steep and rocky, and the knees definitely feel it. Eventually, the trail eases into rolling fields and farmland, guiding us back towards the Ribblehead Viaduct rising out of the mist.
☕ The Perfect Finish – Coffee & Bakewell Slice
We wrapped up the day at the Station Inn, warming up with coffee and an absolutely banging bakewell slice the ideal finish after a cold, misty hike.
📸 Photo Gallery
Comments