VACATION & HOLIDAY GUIDE TO
CUMBRIA & THE LAKE DISTRICT
THE PENNINES
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The Pennine Way is one of the best known walks in England and is described in many books in varying degrees of detail. It is 270 miles long and stretches from Edale near the cities of Manchester and Sheffield, up through Cumbria, Northumberland and eventually just into Scotland where it ends.
Here I deal only with the Cumbrian section of the Way. Traditionally the Way is walked south to north, and for this reason I begin my description from the Way's entry into the county from the south The Pennine Way enters Cumbria at the south end of Cow Green Reservoir (NY 814288, sheet 91). From there you walk across the fells to Maize Beck. Follow the beck until you see cairns (markers built of stone, usually large and easily seen) on either bank, marking the best crossing point when the beck is not in full flow. The path here will take you to the head of the spectacular High Cup Nick, a dramatic valley that cuts into the Pennines, with steep sides topped by crags from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Eden Valley and across to the Lake District Fells. From here continue along the north edge of High Cup, following the path to Dufton village in the Eden Valley where you can take refreshment, buy provisions before carrying on, or stay for the night. From Dufton you can if you wish walk up to Dufton Pike, one of three conical pikes on the skirts of the Pennines in this area.
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