Whernside via Ribblehead Viaduct
North Yorkshire
Whernside via Ribblehead Viaduct is the signature Yorkshire Dales hill walk, and it is a dog friendly outing provided your dog is fit, sure-footed and happy on a lead. From the free Ribblehead car park you head north past the 24 arches of the viaduct, climb steadily alongside Force Gill waterfall and continue up to the long, windswept ridge that tops out at 736 metres, the highest point in Yorkshire.
The descent is steeper and can be loose underfoot before the path drops into pasture for the final stretch back under the viaduct. Sheep graze the open fell throughout the year, so leads are needed from the field boundary onwards, and the summit ridge is fully exposed with no shelter and no water. There is a good-sized free car park at Ribblehead, the Station Inn for refreshments at start and finish, and a seasonal snack van during the warmer months.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 14.5 km (9.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 5 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- The Station Inn at Ribblehead has food, drink and toilets, and a seasonal café van operates in the car park during summer.
- Parking
- Free Ribblehead car park at the B6255/B6479 junction (LA6 3AS), with space for around fifty cars and usually busy by mid-morning in summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whernside via Ribblehead Viaduct dog friendly?
Whernside via Ribblehead Viaduct is dog friendly, though it earns a 6 out of 10 on our rating — it's a serious hill walk rather than a gentle stroll. It's best suited to dogs that are fit, sure-footed and comfortable on a lead, so it's worth being honest about your dog's fitness and experience before heading up.
Can dogs be off lead at Whernside via Ribblehead Viaduct?
Off-lead time is limited on this route. Sheep graze the open fell throughout the year, so leads are required from the field boundary onwards, which covers much of the climb, the exposed summit ridge and the descent into pasture.
What should I know before visiting Whernside via Ribblehead Viaduct with my dog?
The summit ridge sits at 736 metres and is fully exposed, with no shelter and no water available up top, so pack enough water for both of you and be prepared for wind and changing weather. The descent can be loose underfoot, which is worth bearing in mind for dogs less used to rough terrain. On the plus side, there's a free car park at Ribblehead (LA6 3AS), the Station Inn serves food and drink at the start and finish, and a seasonal snack van operates in the car park during summer.
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