Penhill from West Witton
Penhill looks like a proper mountain from the valley and delivers on the promise — the views over Wensleydale to Bishopdale and Coverdale are among the best in the Dales.
Effort: Good distance, solid climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
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Mostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A direct ascent of Penhill at 528m from the village of West Witton — a dramatically-shaped fell above Wensleydale with unexpectedly long views.
Penhill looks like a proper mountain from the valley and delivers on the promise — the views over Wensleydale to Bishopdale and Coverdale are among the best in the Dales.
The route
West Witton sits in the Wensleydale valley below the imposing north face of Penhill. The route climbs steeply through fields and onto open fell, then along the ridge to the summit cairn at 528m.
The summit
Penhill is lower than the Three Peaks but its isolation above the wide Wensleydale floor gives it views out of proportion to its height. The distinctive shape is recognisable from 30km away.
The descent
Return via the western ridge and the ancient Templars' Chapel site before dropping back to the valley.
The north face path can be steep and loose. Summit can be misty.
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
Run by us· last checked July 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
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