Whernside from Dent
The quiet side of the mountain
Summary
Whernside, the highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales, at 2,370ft. It has the appearance of a whale’s back (apparently) and one of the most popular mountains in the Dales. Although most walk from Ribblehead, this can be busy. Walking from Dentdale provides a much quieter route to the summit, and, in my opinion, more enjoyable. The views into Dentdale are fantastic too!
The Hike
Finally, a winter’s morning! Sunny, cold, with a touch of frost on the ground. I had trouble finding parking in Dent where the route would start. However, it dawned on me that I would have to walk on the road to reach the trail's starting point. Road walking is the worst! After driving around a bit, I found a layby on a quiet farm track, which was a lot closer to the beginning, and avoided a good chunk of the road.
I began following a long steep gravel track. Providing views over the Howgills and the Lakes behind me. There was nobody here. I had it all to myself! The valley's beauty captivated me so much that I found myself continuously looking back in complete awe. As I climbed higher, the thick dark clouds in the distance slowly approached. There was still sunshine in the valley below. However, the situation was worsening due to limited visibility as I climbed higher. It made fantastic photography though!
Meanwhile, at the peak of the track, I made a right turn onto a more open section of the hike. Continuing to climb higher, now on a faint trail. This was where I was meant to see the tarns of Whernside. However, thick clouds had covered it completely. I was in a white out! I hope it wasn’t going to be like this the entire way around. Luckily, the clouds were only temporary, giving me a brief glimpse of where I was on the mountain. Additionally, I could hear voices, indicating that I was nearing the summit and entering the popular path from Ribblehead. Before I crossed the stile, I watched as people struggled up the hill. Giving me a look as if to say “where has this lad come from”.
I crossed over the stile and powered up to the top of the mountain. It was so busy! I could just see the silhouettes of people in the distance where the trig point was, but thick cloud shrouded it. On a clear day, the views are fantastic, which is why it is so popular. Anyway, after a quick photograph, I began descending towards Deepdale, which is where I stopped for lunch. I had only descended a mere 100 metres from the trig - It was so quiet. I had the fells all to myself once again. I sat gazing into the landscape, watching the clouds as they gently passed through the valley of Deepdale. It was pure bliss! I could have sat there for hours, as it captivated my mind, and I enjoyed the quiet space and natural sounds.
After lunch, I began descending steeply into Deepdale. I had to be very cautious, as it was extremely steep and very wet. I did slip a couple of times, but luckily my walking poles helped stabilise me. As I approached the bottom, I had to follow the road, which then took me to the last leg of the hike. Guided by yellow route markers and stiles, I continued through the peaceful valley of Deepdale. Through muddy fields filled with curious sheep surrounded by the fells of Dentdale. It was a lovely end to the hike.
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