Get Lost Mountaineering

Whernside from Ribblehead via Viaduct and Bruntscar Path

Start/Finish Ribblehead which is about 5 miles north east up the B6255 road (to Hawes) from Ingleton which, itself, lies on the A65 road from Skipton to Kendal. There are various parking places near Ribblehead but these can soon fill up at busy times. There is a pub at Ribblehead for those in need of refreshments. There is also a train station as Ribblehead sits on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. The walk is only slightly extended if starting from the station and some will prefer to travel in by train. Other ways to Ribblehead are from Settle via Horton-in-Ribblesdale or from Hawes to the north.

Distance/Time

12 km    About 4 – 5 hours

Peaks

Whernside, 736 m, SD 738 814.   OL2 Yorkshire Dales: Western Area

Introduction

Whernside is the highest of the famous “3 Peaks” with Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough being the other two. This route is, effectively, the reverse of the route most commonly used (Blea Moor ascent) and passes under the famous viaduct and ascneds up the stony, stepped path from Bruntscar. The descent uses a well constructed path along the north ridge before curving round to reach the railway at Blea Moor Tunnel which is then followed back to Ribblehead with a good view of Force Gill waterfall as an added bonus. There are fine views in all directions including Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough, Great Coum and the Howgills but, for many, the highlight of the walk is Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle line. You are likely to see several trains during your walk. If you are lucky, you may even see a steam train!

Route

(1) Take one of the obvious paths to the viaduct (it depends on where you are parked) which is named as Batty Moss Viaduct on the map. It is worth wandering around under the arches for a few minutes and reading the plaques. Take the path going under the viaduct and follow it to Gunnerfleet Farm. Cross Winterscales Beck then turn left, S. Soon after, at a wall corner, there is a signpost which is the path to Ivescar. Follow the path. After a stile, the path becomes faint so drift left to find a small gate then follow a faint path over a very minor hill to reach Ivescar Farm, the only buildings met. As an alternative to the faint path, continue S on the track for about 400 m to reach the vehicle track to Ivescar. At Ivescar, turn left and follow the well signed path/track to Broadrake. Soon after, and just above Bruntscar Farm, the path meets a vehicle track by an old stone barn. Sometimes, there is an ice cream van here! Turn right onto the track and follow it. Further on, it becomes a path and is stepped in places. The ascent is fairly strenuous but it takes you up onto the S ridge of Whernside. Turn right, N, and follow the much gentler crest on a very obvious path for just over a kilometre to reach the trig point which marks the summit of Whernside, 736 m. This lies behind the wall running along the ridge and it is a tight squeeze to get through the narrow gap. There are well constructed walls to provide shelter from any cold winds.

(2) Continue north along the crest for just over 1 km on a very obvious path, slabbed in places. Greensett Moss Tarn will be seen below to the right. Soon after a wall on the left, the main path leaves the crest and goes right, over very boggy ground which is thankfully slabbed. Continue, following the main path which is still very obvious. From the crest, it goes ENE, E, SE then SSE to reach the aqueduct and bridge over the railway near to the start of Blea Moor Tunnel. Look right for Force Gill Waterfall on the final part of the descent. Continue on the obvious track which leaves the railway before rejoining near Blea Moor signal box. Continue to descend down to the viaduct then retrace back to the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 8^th May, 2022.