High Cup Nick from Dufton

From the car park in Dufton the walk follows the Pennine Way east out of the village along a walled lane and climbs steadily on to the moor past Peeping Hill. It follows the northern rim of High Cup, past Narrowgate Beacon and Nichol Chair, a pillar of rock, to High Cup Nick at the head of the valley. Here the Whin Sill forms a great horseshoe of dark cliffs above a smooth green trough carved by ice. The walk returns the same way, with views over the Eden valley to the Lake District.

It is 14.9 km with 546 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate. The path is clear but rough and stony along the rim.

The rim has sheer drops: keep well back, especially in wind. The North Pennines are known for the Helm Wind, a fierce east wind off the fells. The tops are exposed and there is no shelter. Sheep graze the moor, so keep dogs on leads.

The car park in Dufton is free. The nearest station is Appleby, about 4 km away.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.