Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside
North Yorkshire
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 12.9 km (8.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 4 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Station Inn pub at start and finish; seasonal refreshment van near viaduct
- Parking
- Roadside parking on Blea Moor Road near Station Inn, Ribblehead, LA6 3AS. Free; can fill on busy weekends; Station Inn car park also available for customers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside dog friendly?
Yes, this is a highly dog-friendly route with a rating of 9/10. The Station Inn at Ribblehead, which serves as the natural start and finish point, welcomes dogs, and the walk itself takes you through some genuinely wonderful terrain for dogs , peat bog, heather moorland, and gritstone fell. That said, it's a serious, challenging day best suited to fit, experienced dogs rather than a casual outing.
Can dogs be off lead at Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside?
Leads are essential throughout this walk, as open fell sheep graze across the route from the very start. The high ridge can also be exposed and very windy, so keeping dogs on lead is important for their safety as well as for livestock. This is a route where good lead manners really matter.
What should I know before visiting Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside with my dog?
This is a challenging fell walk with 540 metres of sustained ascent and a steep, rocky descent from Whernside , it's best reserved for confident, fit dogs with good joints that are comfortable on rough, exposed ground. Carry plenty of water for your dog, as there are no water sources on the summit ridge, though Force Gill waterfall on the ascent offers a chance to top up. On busy weekends, parking on Blea Moor Road can fill up, so arriving early is wise.
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Ribblehead Viaduct Car Park, Low Sleights Road, Carnforth LA6 3AS, United Kingdom
54.2052, -2.3602
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