Take To The Hills – High Cup Nick
Take To The Hills – High Cup Nick: Today’s walk takes us East to a hidden gem and one of England’s most spectacular geological features that boasts wonderful views across the Eden Valley.
Distance: 11 miles
Ascent: 1,900 feet
The classic U-shaped glaciated valley of High Cup Gill is carved deep into the western side of the Cumbrian Pennines and shielded from view by small hills. This deep chasm resembles a scar and High Cup Nick sits at its head.
Our circular walk explores the spectacular glacial valley, there are several ways to approach but the most common is from the unspoilt village of Dufton, which is a few miles from the A66 at Appleby-in-Westmoreland. Here you’ll find a car park, pub, store and tearoom which will be welcome sights on your return.
From the car park, walk towards Appleby following the road around to the left. Where the lane turns right, keep straight ahead along a lane. Keep to the right where the track divides. With improving views climb steadily with the conical Dufton Pike on your left.
Having reached a col east of Dufton Pike the track descends slightly before entering a steep-sided valley where evidence of former mines can be seen. The track continues to climb but never too steeply into the narrowing valley. Stay on the improved track towards a shooting cabin and from there the northern shore of Great Runsdale Tarn is not too far south.
Turn left along the shore and the outflow is Maize Beck which needs to be followed downstream for around 1.5 miles. There is a sort of path but it may be fairly damp underfoot so be prepared for some “bog trotting”. The view across some of the wildest moors in England is dominated by the whaleback of Mickle Fell.
The footbridge over Maize Beck means you’ve reached the Pennine Way. Turn right (southwest) to follow the National Trail which is marked by posts to reach spectacular High Cup Nick. This is where the Whin Sill, which is formed of blue-grey dolerite, provided extra resistance to glaciers and formed one of the most spectacular natural features in the UK.
Take in the views – which can include every peak in Lakeland – and follow the path along the northern rim, it’s part of the Pennine Way and will take you back to the road where you turn right and follow it back to the start.
This is a special place with spectacular geological wonders. It can be a challenging climb but the footpaths are generally good for most of the walk.
You can always continue your walk to the nearby Cow Green Reservoir and visit the wonderful Cauldron Snout waterfall. The circular High Force Waterfall Walk is another highlight while Cross Fell offers more wonderful views.
This walk is suggested by Andrew Locking who is a keen local fell walker. For more information on his walks visit www.andrewswalks.co.uk
Photos by Andrew Locking
Are You looking for a shorter walk with big views? Try this one at Wasdale.
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