Whernside at 2414ft the highest of Yorkshires Three Peaks, probably by far the easiest to climb, I've climbed it in all conditions from different directions at various times of year and never had the summit to myself, testament to the hills popularity, today would be different I would make my ascent up Force Gill to avoid the masses before rejoining the tourist path for the final push to the summit.

My day started under the impressive arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct, a light covering of snow over Batty Green considerably deeper across the summit of Whernside. I followed the main path north into Little Dale across Blue Clay Ridge to reach and cross the Force Gill Aqueduct, to my left the impressive fall of Force Gill, this marked the start of my ascent, ignoring the tourist route to follow the waters of Force Gill, above the fall to be greeted by several small cascades before reaching another impressive waterfall, Force Gill Upper Fall. Onwards and upwards skirting peat hags and marshy ground to rejoin the main path on the lower slopes of Knoutberry Hill, not a walker in sight, I had the hill to myself, It was an easy ascent to the summit ridge from here, the summit was mine just me and the cold mountain wind. My route down followed the ridge over High Pike before the steep descent into Twisleton Dale to be followed by a pleasant walk through fields, passing Broadrake and Ivescar before crossing the summit of Lockdiddy Hill (a small green mound but a great place to take photographs). On to Gunnerfleet Farm and the Ribblehead Viaduct marking journeys end. As I passed under the impressive arches I met my first walker of the day, another day on the busy hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Whernside via Force Gill.	back to list view route map
	Under snow Whernside as seen over Batty Green with the Ribblehead Viaduct to the left.
	Wrapped in swirling cloud Ingleborough.
	The impressive stonework of the Force Gill Aqueduct built by the Midland Railway Company.
	Bleamoor Tunnel and the spoil heaps marking the line of the tunnel.
	Force Gill, this impressive curtain of water marks the start of my ascent route.
	Above the falls with stunning views over Ribblesdale with Park Fell still under cloud.
	The upper falls just as impressive.
	I have now left the confines of Force Gill to cross the peat hags on Grain Ings, this is the first view I've had of Whernside for quite some time.
	Ascending to Whernside's summit ridge, looking back to Great Knoutberry Hill with Wold Fell carrying a little snow.
	Magical views to Ingleborough.
	Incomparable views down Dentdale with the Howgill Fells across the skyline.
	Rise Hill seen over Whernside Tarns.
	Crunching my way across Whernside's icy summit ridge with endless views to the north.
	From the ice cold summit of Whernside views to Ingleborough.
	The summit Whernside, the first time ever I've had it to myself, I've even been here on a cold dark winters night to be greeted with "good evening".
	High, wide and handsome views across upper Ribblesdale.
	Mighty Ingleborough across Twisleton Dale.
	On top of the delightfully named Lockdiddy Hill looking to Pen-y-ghent.
	From Lockdiddy Hill the dramatic face of Ingleborough.
	Nearly back at Ribblehead with a final look back to the Ingleborough massif, Simon Fell the one in the middle, Park Fell and the unmistakable Ingleborough.
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