High Cup Nick loop from Dufton — North Pennines

Hiking trails & Routes

High Cup Nick loop from Dufton — North Pennines

Moderate

4.8

(88)

473

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

5.32 km

Pond Below High Cup Nick

Highlight • Lake

A small pond low down on High Cupgill Beck. A good place for a picnic or a break before the steeper walk up to the Nick.

Tip by

9.33 km

High Cup Nick

Highlight • Gorge

High Cup Nick is the best example of a glaciated u-shaped valley in Northern England. Situated high on the western flanks of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, …

Tip by

15.7 km

The Stag Inn

Highlight • Pub

nice pub, friendly staff, great beer, real fire 🔥

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

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (600 m)

Lowest point (190 m)

Weather

Sunday 4 October

18°C

12°C

47 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

January 27, 2024,High cup nick loop from Dufton.

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.

August 4, 2024,High Cup Nick - A Wainwright’s favourite in the North Pennines with a pub 🥾⛰️🍺

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 …