Whernside
Last edited on: 28 Jan 2024
Important information
No access or parking up the track leading to Ellerbeck farm like we use to.
Status
Open
This site is open but please read the information on this page carefully.
Sites officer
North (Turn on JavaScript!)
Location
Lat, long: 54.222303, -2.401575
OS grid reference: SD 725 788
Wind direction
E-SE (090-135)
Height
Whernside summit 2429ft AMSL. Take off 1750ft AMSL. Take off to bottom landing 595ft.
Grade of pilot
All grades.
Parking
Option 1:
A number of options but all involve a long walk. On any day except a Sunday you can park in the church carpark in Chapel-le-Dale (feel free to make a donation). There is room for about 3 cars further up the track on the left just below the 'PRIVATE ROAD, ABSOLUTELY NO MOTOR VEHICLES' sign.
Option 2:
Another option is to get dropped off/picked up at Bruntscar (SD 739790). Please, please do not park anywhere on this route. It is used by literally hundreds of walkers each day and if they see one car parked there they all think that they can do the same. The Hill Inn car park is for 'patrons only', but there are a couple of lay-bys just above it. Walking from here takes about an hour.
Reference
Option 1:
Walk up the obvious bridleway to Ellerbeck Farm. Then at the BL (on the map) keep the wall on your right and walk straight up the hill. A flat area 30m below the main ridge is a good resting place.
Option 2:
Walk up the obvious path. A steep climb brings you onto the shoulder. There is a perfect take-off about 50m to the left. Whernside can be subject to strong compression but if you walk another 100m there is another lower area, which may make launching easier. The best landing field is the one just short of the 'Private Land No Parking' sign but if you can't penetrate that far the first field that you walk through on your way up is flat near the bottom; just watch out for boulders and pot holes!
Capacity
Limited only by the walk up. On a good day almost 5km of ridge is soarable.
Hazards
Pilots (especially paragliders) should be aware of the severe wind gradient that is often present. In soarable conditions, do not be tempted to launch from the ledge half way up the hill, always walk to the top and check the wind speed before launching.
Rules
We are no longer allowed to drive up to Ellerbeck (except when pre-arranged for competitions). You may drive to Bruntscar but do not park on this route.
Comments
Whernside has the edge over Semer Water in light conditions or if the wind is off to the East. Don’t be put off if there is no wind in the BL field – it may well be soarable at the top.
Site Challenges
If you'd like a task to follow, consider the Whernside NCS 2024 task, or the DFC Whernside Ridge Run. Visit Ed Cleasby's website for background and information about the Northern Challenge Series and Defined Flying Challenges.
Land owner
Contact via Sites Officer
Nearest landline/mobile phone coverage
At the Hill Inn.
Poor mobile phone reception, especially in the valley bottom.