Walks ending at Dufton 17th August 2024
I am looking forward to visiting Dufton again; the wide grassy village green, the cottages which border, the water fountain, the traditional Stag Inn and memories of the Pennine Way.
The A walk will be led by Andrew and Sue and is approximately 11 ½ miles and 2300 feet.
This is a circular starting at Dufton village green, following the Pennine Way east ascending to High Cup Nick, a geographical marvel. Turn south following the edge of the escarpment for approximately 1 km before climbing to a contouring bridleway around Murton Fell. Continue south before turning west to summit Murton Pike via a short steep climb. A steep grass descent follows leading down to High Clints and onto Harbour Flatt Farm via fields and an awkward stream crossing. From the farm we join a quiet road heading NW for approximately 1 km before joining a grass track near to Keisley House. Turning NW across fields with numerous stiles to Greenhow and then through Dufton Ghyll, a small wooded sandstone gorge before arriving back at Dufton.
The B walk will be led by Laureen and Joan Bundy and is approximately 8 ½ miles and 1800 feet.
It is an out and back walk from Dufton. We follow the road back through Dufton to Town head to turn left onto the Pennine way, initially a short stretch of road leading to a track up past Dod Hill, we see evidence of the history of limestone quarrying as we walk around the flanks of Dod hill and Peeping Hill. Near Hannahs Well the path narrows (aptly named Narrowgate) and is a little more rocky and undulating, we cross a stream by way of stepping stones, however our efforts are now rewarded as spectacular views of High Cup Nick open up, justifiably nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the North! Keep a look out for Nichol's chair an iconic rock pinnacle. Legend has it Mr Nichol was the local cobbler who popped up here to do a spot of cobbling! We soon come to High Cup Gill Head with views down to into the boulder fields that occupy the valley and across to the interesting rock formations, revealing whinstone cliffs that jut out from the remaining softer limestone. High Cup Nick is actually the name of the gap in the Whinstone at the head of the valley through which the High Cup Gill beck flows. We return by the same route which also reveals views of Dufton Pike, Murton Pike, the Lake District fells, central Pennines and the Howgills.
The C walk will be led by Bob Jones and is approximately 6 miles and 600 feet.
The walk begins in Appleby Town, and soon gets into the countryside. There are many views at different points of Murton Pike (A's), High Cup Nick (A's and B's), Cross Fell and the Dun Fells. Passing Hungrigg's farm, Crundale Bottom, Blackhill Plantation, crossing Murton Beck, then entering Flakebridge wood. Then on to Keisley, crossing Keisley beck, and on to Harthwaite Gill and Dufton village.
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