I am walking on my own again today and plan to ascend Whernside, a regular walk I undertake when we are in this area. Overnight we had some wintery conditions and as I drive towards Ribblehead Viaduct there is snow capping the peaks of Ingleborough and Whernside.
My starting point is from the roadside parking at Batty Green (Grid Reference: SD765793). I take the path towards the Viaduct.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010391-750x563.jpeg)
After going under the arches of the viaduct I continue on the track through Gunnerfleet Farm and then carry on along the tarmac drive alongside Winterscales Beck heading towards Winterscales Farm.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010397-750x563.jpeg)
At a junction of paths I turn left towards Ivescar and ignore the stile leading up the steep side of Whernside. From the track there is a view of the snowy summit of Whernside shrouded in cloud.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010400-750x563.jpeg)
After passing a farm at Ivescar I continue across a couple of fields.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010405-750x563.jpeg)
After going through Broadrake I head across another field, from here there are cracking views of Ribblehead Viaduct.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010406-750x563.jpeg)
I turn right at Bruntscar joining the Three Peaks path heading towards Whernside.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010407-750x563.jpeg)
This is initially a steady upward route, with the occasional steeper section. It is only after passing through a gate that the really steep climb is encountered. This year a lot of work has been done on this ascent and new steps have been put in, but it is still a tough climb to reach the ridge.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010411-750x563.jpeg)
Once on the ridge I turn right and follow along it, still upwards on the snow covered path through the low cloud.
Finally reaching the summit of Whernside I stop for the obligatory photograph, I have “bagged” this trig point many times, but it is the first time I have been here in the snow.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010414-750x563.jpeg)
It is too chilly to hang around, at 2,415 feet above sea level with no protection from the cold wind I am soon continuing along the ridge.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010417-750x563.jpeg)
All of a sudden the cloud lifts and I get a stunning view of Dentdale.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010419-750x563.jpeg)
I am now on my descent following the clear Three Peaks path.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010422-750x563.jpeg)
At the junction of paths I turn right to descend Slack Hill.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010426-750x563.jpeg)
On reaching a gate I stop to admire the waterfall at Gill Force, the recent wet weather has swelled the volume of water flowing.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010431-750x563.jpeg)
Soon after the path goes over the aqueduct at Blea Moor.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010433-750x563.jpeg)
I follow the path with the railway on the right and go by Blea Moor signal box. In the distance in front of me is Ingleborough.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010435-750x563.jpeg)
The clear path carries on towards Ribblehead Viaduct.
![](https://djw7mms16dv52.cloudfront.net/2020/03/P1010437-750x563.jpeg)
Now it is just a short walk back to my starting point.
This walk has covered 8 miles, I have walked this route a number of times, but this is the first time I have encountered snow.
[To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map OL2 – Yorkshire Dales – Western Area]
You can view this 8 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here (Subscription to OS Maps Required)
12th November 2019
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2019)