This superb long walk treads the high ground from Hartside Pass to Dufton, following the edge of the North Pennine escarpment with views out over the Eden Valley to the Lakeland skyline. To the east the ground rolls into the empty bogs at the heart of the range, the largest expanse of wild land in England. Highlights of the day include Cross Fell, the biggest English hill outside the Lake District, and High Cup, a geological marvel on an epic scale. Look out, there's bogs about - gaiters are a must.
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Detailed description
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Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 16.78 miles (27 km)
Total ascent: 650m
Time: 7 – 9 hours (Walking)
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Summits
Fiend's Fell 635 mMelmerby Fell 711 m
Cross Fell 893 m
Great Dun Fell 847 m
Knock Fell 794 m
Backstone Edge 699 m
Additional Information
Start Hartside cafe, NY646418; Finish Car park in Dufton village centre, NY689250
Nearest town:
Penrith, Alston or Appleby
Terrain:
Plenty of rough pathless bog, and wide featureless plateau summits where navigation is interesting in poor visibility. Two stretches of the Pennine Way are followed, and these bits are easier underfoot and much less tricky to navigate.
Seasonal variations:
This high inland range holds snow as well as any in Cumbria, and this makes a brilliant winter walk when the bogs are frozen hard. I'd hazard a guess this would also be one of the best ski touring routes in England. Cross Fell feels pretty wild in adverse winter weather however.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Lake District
Public transport:
Not too easy - this route is best done with two cars. If you're limited to public transport then take a train to Penrith or Langwathby, from where there are limited local bus services. A taxi would be the best bet for the return journey from Dufton. See Traveline website: www.traveline.org.uk
Maps:
OS Explorer OL19 (1:25,000), OS Explorer OL31 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 86 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 91 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 87 (1:50,000)
Accommodation:
Dufton YHA 0845 371 9734
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Tourist info:
Alston Moor (01434 382 244); Penrith (01768 867466); Rheged (01768 860 034)
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by Dan Bailey UKH
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