High Cup nick is dramatic U-shaped valley or “nick” at the head of High Cup Gill in the North Pennines.
It was one of Alfred Wainwright’s favourite feature on the Pennine Way.
Start this walk from Dufton, walking up to the top and scramble down High Cup Gill. The views of the Eden Valley are as impressive from the top as they are from the valley.
Stats
| Difficulty | Moderate with technical section (Scramble down) |
| Length | 10.8 mi – 17.4 km |
| Total elevation | 1,827 ft – 557m |
| Highest point | 1,888ft – 575m |
| Walking time | 4h20 |
| Terrain | paths, roads, boulder field (scramble down) |
| Equipment | Enough water to walk 11 miles or 4h30. There is a pub at the Beginning and the end but nothing in between. Sturdy shoes or boots as you will be scrambling down a boulder field. Layers as it can get exposed and chilly on top |
View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
Getting there
- Driving: The car park in Dufton: honesty box for payment and toilets.
- Public transport: Kendal Bus X6 to the Approach stop (C. 20 mins)
- From Manchester: Train to Carnforth then bus 755 to the Approach stop (c. 2h05)
- From Preston: Train to Arnside then bus 552 to the Approach Stop (c. 1h50)
- From Lancaster: Bus 555 to Ashbank lane stop (c. 45mins)
- From Carlisle: Train to Kendal then Bus 555 to Ashbank lane stop (c. 1h35)
Watering Holes
- The Stag Inn – Dufton – At the start or end of the walk
A wonderful independent country pub where muddy boots and paws are welcome.
Home-cooked food and good ales. The kitchen is open Tue-Sat from 17:30-20:00 and Sun from 12:00-14:00 and 17:00-19:00. Expect pub classics including delicious pies as well as more gastro-type dishes such as confit duck-leg or teriyaki tuna steaks.
Beer garden with stunning views over the Pennines for the summer and roaring wood-fires to warm up in winter.
Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat
Dufton is a stop on the Pennine Way and offers a range of accommodation for those wishing to stay before or after the walk.
Ufortunately, the YHA has closed.
For camping and glamping: Dufton Caravan Park
Grass pitches for tents, hard-standing pitches for caravan and motor-homes and 3 hobbit huts for glampers.
Hot showers, drying room, and electric hookups.
The village’s cafe is 200 yards from the site and the pub only 300 yards.
For a romantic week-end Sunday: Dufton Barn Holidays Shepherd’s view is the luxurious option for couples with a super-king sized bed and jacuzzi bath (as well as a walk-in shower). Cozy log-burner and fab views over the Pennines.minimum booking policy.
For families and or 2 couples: Brow Farm – Dufton
Offers a traditional cottage with 2 double bedrooms. A 2 nights minimum booking may apply.
Peregrinating the North West and Beyond 
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