High Cup Nick - England's Grand Canyon
17 people attending
3 places left
A 10.5 mile circular walk taking in the most dramatic feature of the entire Pennine Range - High Cup Nick, England's Grand Canyon.
Leaving the pretty village of Dufton, we climb up into a steep sided valley with evidence of former mining all around, with some ruins to explore. Continuing up towards the top of the Pennines, we soon reach the watershed, where one stream heads to the Irish Sea, and the next takes the much longer journey, via the Tees, to the North Sea.
Walking across boggy terrain, following Rundale Tarn as it begins its journey to the North Sea, we head slowly downstream, with views over wild moorland terrain. In a couple of miles, we reach the highlight - High Cup Nick.
A deep chasm on the Pennine fellside, this famous nick, a dramatic geological formation at the top of High Cup Gill is part of the well-known Whin Sill, and overlooks the best glaciated valley in Northern England. Here you can see the grey-blue dolerite crags which also form High Force and Cauldron Snout. It is a breathtaking sight. We will pause a while to take in the views.
We then head down, at first by the edge of High Cup, returning to Dufton for a drink in the village pub.
What to bring
March on top of the Pennines could be any weather - expect some rain, cold wind, possibly snow. Full waterproofs esseantial, as a good boots and spare layers, kept dry in your ruck sack.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch and a flask. Food and drink available in the village afterwards.