Whernside from Ribblehead to Ingleton
Walk 12 - Ribblehead to Ingleton via Whernside (736m) - 10 miles - by train and bus only - 5 hours - An excellent variation to the normal route up and down Whernside starting from Ribblehead and returning on the service bus from Ingleton to Settle for which there is ample time. Back to Ribblehead
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| Path up Whernside | View of Ingleborough |
From Ribblehead station turn right out of the station access road and proceed along the main road for about 200m or so below the Station Inn and then turn left to follow vehicle track passing to the right hand side of the viaduct. Do not go under the viaduct but proceed straight ahead up a steep path with the railway line on the left. This path stays with the railway line and eventually passes Blea Moor signal box.
After crossing two streams cross the Force Gill aqueduct [an impressive waterfall just upstream] turning immediately right. After a short while take the left hand fork and start climbing the steeply uphill known as Smithy Hill. The path is known as the Craven Way [an old droving road into Dentdale] and has been restored many times in the past having been badly rutted by motorcycles. After 3/4 mile take the left-hand fork over a stile and proceed over a part flagged path to the main ridge of Whernside in fact known as Knoutberry Hill [not to be confused with the nearby Great Knoutberry]. At this point there is an excellent view of Greensett Tarn below. On meeting the ridge turn left proceed uphill for a further ½ mile to reach the summit.
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Grassy path down Whernside |
View of Howgills |
Continue from the summit effectively following the ridge of Whernside downhill with the wall on the right hand side. Pass the 3 peaks path which disappears steeply to the left and continue onwards on the lesser used and more pleasant path heading in a straight line directly towards Ingleton. After some 4 miles from the summit of Whernside the path crosses open limestone scenery and emerges at Twistleton Scar where it does a dog-leg negotiate the scar and joins a vehicle track below. Continue along the track for a short while, through a gate and turn right at Twistleton Hall to follow the farm access road. On joining the minor road to Chapel le Dale bear right and continue on tarmac down to Ingleton for the last 1/2 mile or so. On reaching the village cross the two river bridges and proceed uphill to the Main Street near the church.
Turn right near the church and proceed out of the village centre. Just before the old railway bridge there are some steps up to the car park and community centre. The bus stop is just in front of the community centre.
If there is time to kill The Wheatsheaf at the top end of the village welcomes walkers. Lower down the main street are the Craven Heifer and Three Horsehoes with the Masons Arms on the main road. In addition there are a number of excellent cafes including the cavers' cafe in the centre of the village. The 581 service bus from Kirkby Lonsdale to Settle departs Ingleton Community Centre -check timetable. Be sure to arrive in good time for the bus . The bus runs Monday to Saturdays. The 881 to Settle runs on summer Sundays. Please consult www.dalesbus.co.uk for times.
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| Karst scenery above Twistleton Scar |
Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should always consult the relevant OS map. All timings are approximate and for a person of average fitness and ability.
©John Carey 2010
This page was last updated on 13-May-2020