Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside

Ribblehead Viaduct stands in magnificent isolation on the open moorland of Chapel-le-Dale, its 24 arches carrying the Settle-Carlisle railway across the bog at 31 metres above the ground. This 12.9km circuit from the Station Inn passes beneath the viaduct before climbing Whernside, at 736 metres the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, via Force Gill waterfall. The summit ridge offers views stretching to the Lake District fells, Morecambe Bay and across the Three Peaks country. The descent drops steeply to Bruntscar and returns through the scattered farms of Winterscales. With 540 metres of sustained ascent, this is a serious hill day.

The high fell environment on this dog friendly walk is exceptional for dogs with a keen nose: peat bog, heather, the sharp mineral edge of wet gritstone and, lower down, the sweet warmth of rush-covered moorland. Leads are essential throughout as open fell sheep graze from the start, and the ridge itself can be exposed and windy in any weather. Force Gill waterfall provides water access on the ascent, but carry extra for the ridge where no sources exist. The descent from Whernside is steep and rocky, demanding confident, fit dogs with good joints. The Station Inn at Ribblehead welcomes dogs and is the natural start and finish point. This is a challenging day best reserved for experienced hill-walking dogs comfortable with sustained climbing and rough, exposed ground.