Great Whernside from Grassington
A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Yorkshire Dales starting and finishing in North Yorkshire, England, about 14.90km (9.26 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 6:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
546m (1791ft)
Descent
523m (1715ft)
Max. Elevation
690m (2263ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
1069m (3506ft)
Start
Grassington
End
Kettlewell, Skipton, North Yorkshire, England
Distance
14.90km
(9.26mi)
(9.26mi)
Duration
~6:00h
Difficulty
Moderate
Created by Anonymous Walker on 27 Sep 2012
Great Whernside is one of the highest peaks in the Dales, and the highest around the eastern side. Lying right on the park boundary, it's best enjoyed by walking in from Grassington, allowing you to enjoy the sights of Wharfedale as you climb. Several buses to Grassington, and the Dalesbus connects Kettlewell with Grassington - or you can walk back along the Dales Way for a very long day out.
Walk Functions
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Waypoints
OS Grid SE001639
Take the bus to Grassington and walk up the High Street. At the top of the hill, take the left road at the crossroads - marked 'the Dales Way'.
OS Grid SE002644
Follow the road to the end, then just before the dairy follow the Dales Way up a path. This leads out to the fields.
About 0.52 km (~0.32 miles) from 
OS Grid SE002653
Leave the Dales Way at this point and take the footpath heading diagonally uphill - there's a style on the right-hand wall.
About 0.85 km (~0.53 miles) from 
OS Grid SE004669
Keep climbing until you reach the old farm buildings at Bare Ho, including a disused bath!
About 1.60 km (~0.99 miles) from 
OS Grid SE006688
At Kelber, you meet a larger track suitable for vehicles. Turn left here, losing a bit of height.
About 1.90 km (~1.18 miles) from 
OS Grid SD997686
Where the track curves around, take the footpath heading north.
About 0.93 km (~0.58 miles) from 
OS Grid SE001703
A rough path leads through the boggy moorland over Conistone Moor and towards Great Whernside.
About 1.75 km (~1.09 miles) from 
OS Grid SD998728
Leave the path and veer up towards the slopes of Great Whernside. Make sure you veer off before Hag Dyke, where the drop is very steep (take care in foggy weather).
About 2.51 km (~1.56 miles) from 
OS Grid SE001738
Once you reach the ridge, simply follow it to the summit cairn.
About 1.10 km (~0.68 miles) from 
OS Grid SD989733
A path runs directly downhill from the summit, straight towards Kettlewell. On the way, you pass the hostel at Hag Dyke, run by scouts. It's one of the highest in the UK.
About 1.28 km (~0.8 miles) from 
KettlewellOS Grid SD972723
Drop down into the village of Kettlewell. There are good pubs - the bus back along the dale leaves directly opposite - and a great village store which still sells penny chews in little white paper bags. Just like the good old days.
About 2.03 km (~1.26 miles) from 
