High Cup Nick from Dufton
Cumbria
High Cup Nick, often called England's Grand Canyon, is a huge U-shaped valley carved by ice into the western edge of the North Pennines, its rim lined with columns of grey-blue dolerite from the Whin Sill. It's a fit dog's walk more than an off-lead rambler's, since sheep graze the open fell the whole way up. From its head the view runs down High Cup Gill to the Eden Valley. This 12.3km out and back walk from Dufton follows the Pennine Way up a clear bridleway past Bow Hall and Peeping Hill, then along the Narrow Gate path high on the northern side of the valley, where a few large boulders have to be clambered over, before the gentle final rise to the nick itself. There is around 460 metres of climbing on stony tracks and rough moorland paths, returning the same way.
This dog friendly walk suits fit dogs that are happy on open hill ground, but they will be on a lead much of the time. Sheep graze the fields above Dufton and the open moor, and the North Pennines are an important breeding ground for moorland birds in spring and early summer. There is no shade on the fell and water is scarce beyond the becks near the village, so carry plenty. Keep dogs close on the Narrow Gate path and at the rim, where the crags drop sharply. Back in Dufton the free car park has public toilets, and the Stag Inn on the green welcomes dogs in its bar and beer garden.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 12.3 km (7.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Public toilets by the car park; the Stag Inn on Dufton green welcomes dogs in the bar and beer garden.
- Parking
- Free car park in the centre of Dufton behind the public toilets, plus parking around the green.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to High Cup Nick from Dufton, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaFrequently Asked Questions
Is High Cup Nick from Dufton dog friendly?
Yes, High Cup Nick from Dufton scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The Pennine Way gives a clear route, the scenery is extraordinary and the Stag Inn in Dufton welcomes dogs. The score reflects the sheep grazing on the fell and in the fields, the seasonal nesting birds, the lack of shade and water, and the steep drops at the rim of the valley.
Can dogs be off lead at High Cup Nick from Dufton?
Only occasionally. Sheep graze the fields above Dufton and the open fell, so dogs should be on a lead wherever stock may be around, and on the moor during the spring and early summer bird breeding season. The Narrow Gate path and the rim of High Cup Nick have sheer dolerite crags, so keep your dog close there even when no sheep are in sight.
What should I know before visiting High Cup Nick from Dufton with my dog?
This is a proper hill walk of about four hours with 460 metres of climbing, rough rocky paths and a few boulders to scramble over, so it suits fit, sure-footed dogs. Carry water for your dog, as there is little on the upper part of the route and no shade. Parking in Dufton is free, with public toilets by the car park and the dog friendly Stag Inn on the green.
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