Whernside is a mountain in the Yorkshire Dales. It is the highest point in Yorkshire - though the summit lies on the border between North Yorkshire and Cumbria - and one of the so-called Three Peaks, the other two being Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent.

In shape Whernside forms a long ridge, running roughly north–south. The most usual route of ascent is from the south, starting near the small village of Bruntscar. The summit may also be approached from the north. If climbed as part of the Three Peaks Challenge (which is normally done anti-clockwise) Whernside will be climbed from the north, with the southern route used for descent.

Whernside lies about two miles (approx. 3 km) northwest of Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle–Carlisle Railway.

Whernside is sometimes confused with the lower hills of Great Whernside and Little Whernside, which are located some miles to the east. The word "Whern" is believed to refer to querns (millstones).

External link

• Computer generated summit panoramas Whernside index

Marilyns of England | Hewitts of England | Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales | Mountains and hills of Cumbria | Nuttalls | Sites of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire