Walk Details
A delightful walk set in the Eden Valley. High Cup Nick is one often referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the North” – it is a truly a magnificent example of 500 millions of years of natural formation. From the very top the views take in the valley opening up under your feet, with the Lake District popping up in the distance.
I have been wanting to do this walk for some time now, ever since I watched the TV programme when Julia made the trek up to the top of this wonderful valley, which forms part of the Pennine Way.
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The walk begins in the sleepy village of Dufton, in the Eden Valley, Cumbria. There is free parking on the village green and accessible (RADAR toilets) in the village.
The first part of the walk follows the country lane out of Dufton and very shortly you are heading up the bridleway, which leads to the top of High Cup Nick. The track goes up to Dodd Hill and Peeping Hill.
Although this is a bridleway, the terrain is very uneven, with some climbing over boulders required towards the top. I completed the walk in the TerrainHopper – a serious 4×4 all terrain wheelchair, which had no difficulty climbing the gradients and the rocks. Please take this into consideration if you plan to do the walk. Make sure that your chair can travel over the type of terrain that you will have to cross on this walk.
The climb to the head of High Cup Nick is totally worth it. The views from the top are breath taking. On a clear day you can see right over to the Lake District.
We followed the track back down bridleway, but on the return the views down the Eden Valley are very rewarding. Dufton Pike stands proud in front of you.
The whole route is about 6 miles in length and took us a few hours of carefree rambling to climb up to the top of High Cup Nick and then to return to Dufton.
Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Appleby, Carlisle
