~Whernside~
14th April 2018
It's not a pretty mountain, but it is the highest on offer in North Yorkshire and you don't need a map, just follow everyone else....
Whernside Walkers
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
The day before, I went to the East Lancashire Railway to view some of the trains on the gala weekend of "40's at 60". These iconic locomotives of the diesel era have survived into preservation and a total of six of their number were on show. Irwell Vale station on the left and leaving Rawtenstall on the right.
Ribblehead Viaduct
The roadside parking area at Ribblehead has been improved and loads of cars were already there by the time we arrived at 0940hrs.
Service Train heading North
Unsurprisingly, there is a charter train to view, but today it's a diesel locomotive-hauled excursion.
Walkers
The majority of these were not "Three Peakers" - you can always tell those who have already climed Pen-y-Ghent, they look a tad weary and have dirty legs.
Watching and Waiting
The 45 minute walk to the southern entrance to Blea Moor Tunnel means that there will always be room for you. I suppose both this guy, who was here first, and me were just a little disappointed not to have the spot to themselves.
The Cumbrian Hoovers
Here comes the double-headed Class 50 - hauled excursion train. These pairings used to take the London to Glasgow trains during the 1970's before electrification and I think it's the first time I've seen such in action since that time. Class 50's were affectionately known as "Hoovers".
The Joys of Whernside
Like I said, it ain't pretty.
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The Summit 2,415ft asl
Nearly everyone does the walk in the same direction which reduces the greetings count.
Descent Route |
Ribblehead Viaduct |
We took the usual return route along the foot of Whernside with the viaduct in view for much of the way.
Lunch Stop
A suitably shaped piece of limestone presented an ideal location for lunch and a rare selfie; they will remain rare.
Blea Moor Signal Box
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Walkers: Molly and Me.
Time taken: 4hrs 35mins over a distance of about 10 miles.
Route: Ribblehead (Blea Moor Road), Great Scar, Blea Moor Sidings, Whernside by the usual route. Down to Broadrake and along the marked footpath to Winterscales and Blea Moor Sidings, the viaduct and back to the cars
Weather and conditions: Mainly dull and rather cold on top.
Whernside on 15th February 2017 - steam train.
Whernside on 23rd January 2016 - train as usual.
Whernside on 12th February 2012 - more trains, much more ice and snow!
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2017 ©
Take me back to the start ....