Today I climbed Whernside, it’s the highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales, and one I really enjoy climbing. The weather had changed from constant rain and wind, to a clear and bright day. However, you could still see cloud covering the top, so I knew it was going to be a challenge.

I decided on a 16k walk starting in Chapel le Dale, climbing the northern flank of Whernside, coming down via Blea Moor following the Settle to Carslile railway, passing under the Ribbledale viaduct, and finally crossing the feilds down to Chapple le Dale.

The wind started to pick up as I started to climb the lower fells, so I donned the ubiquitous waterproofs. And just as well, as soon as I began the serious climb, the heavens opened. Short lived as the rain was, i wasn’t going to take my waterproofs off just in case, and it was a prudent decision.

Upon reaching the main ridge leading to the top, the view opened up and I was able to see over into Kings Dale and Lancashire in the distance. turning eastwards I made my final assent over extremely rocky, and icy ground, ,and reached the summit. The views were incredible, I could see both snow covered Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough, with broiling storm clouds in the background.

I get a great feeling when I top out, I get a huge sense of satisfaction, and feel really proud of myself. So it’s always a good time for a nice cup of coffee and sandwich, I guys just got treat himself sometimes. So after a brief rest I headed back down through the howling wind and hail. Coming down the mountain was a lot harder than the climb up. The ground was extremely icy, and the falling hail made it treacherous. So I didn’t wast to much time, and got down the lower fells where the walking was better.

After passing between Little Dale and Moor, I eventually came upon the famed the Ribblehead viaduct. This impressive viaduct carries the trains from Settle to Carlisle 350 feet above the valley floor. From here I followed the Winterscales Beck back, along green lanes and muddy fields, to Chaple-le-Dale church, and the end of my walk.

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