High Cup Nick loop from Dufton — North Pennines
High Cup Nick loop from Dufton — North Pennines
4.8
(77)
442
hikers
High Cup Nick loop from Dufton — North Pennines
04:42
15.9km
440m
Hiking
This moderate hike, covering 9.9 miles (15.9 km) with 1434 feet (437 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 41 minutes to complete. You begin in the charming village of Dufton, passing through farmland before starting your steady climb. As you ascend, the views across the Eden…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
North Pennines AONB
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
122 m
Public Water Fountain
Public Water Fountain
5.32 km
Pond Below High Cup Nick
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
9.33 km
High Cup Nick
Highlight • Gorge
Tip by
15.7 km
The Stag Inn
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
15.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.82 km
4.74 km
3.02 km
2.14 km
221 m
Surfaces
6.55 km
6.31 km
2.99 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (600 m)
Lowest point (190 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 6 May
11°C
2°C
35 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Phone ran out of charge before I got back to Dufton, it's a bit over an hour from harbour flatts back to Dufton following the Pennine journey route that I did. There's a photo with the rest of the route.
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. This route start 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 floor. 🥾 With under 11 miles and 1,500 ft of elevation, I would grade this walk as moderate+ ⚠️ This route goes down the Gill. It is a boulder field and therefore could be described as a scramble. It is ideal to learn to conquer your fears of similar terrain as there are no exposure to your sides. If you have never scrambled; you can use the route in reverse and scramble up the gill. The boulders are small, you are unlikely to need to lift your body weight or need to take a leap of faith on the way down. 🍺 The Stag Inn - 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. Expect pub classics including delicious pies as well as more gastro-type dishes. Beer garden with stunning views over the Pennines for the summer and roaring wood-fires to warm up in winter. 🚌 Dufton is quite accessible by bus check my blog for various routes and timing from the main cities and train stops. 🚰 🍫🌰🥪Take plenty of snacks and water as there is a pub at the end but nothing en route. The valley floor is sheltered and a good spot for lunch. 🧶🧤 The area is exposed, don't forget to take layers as the wind-chill can hit you on the way up. 🧳 Make a week-end of it. Dufton is a stop on the Pennine Way and offers a range of accommodation for those wishing to stay before or after the walk. Visit my blog for various options fitting your budget or taste https://peregrinatenw.co.uk/2024/08/31/high-cup-nick-a-wainwrights-favourite-in-the-north-pennines-with-a-pub/