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Start/Parking – In Dufton Village, with the Methodist Church on your left take the turning approximately 200 yards beyond to the left (there will be a red flag furled or unfurled depending on the firing ranges) and travel ¾ mile to just past Bow Hall farm where there is ample parking for several cars – if parked considerately. Alternatively you can park in Dufton village at the car park near to the post office/stores, but tarmac walking can become tedious, especially on the return trip and this will save on the shoe leather!
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It would be wise to stop off at the red flag and read the information concerning the ranges and firing days for your own safety and peace of mind.
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High Cup Nick is a classic U-shaped valley. A deep chasm on the Pennine fell side, this
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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. The Whin Sill is one of the North's most distinctive features. This rocky outcrop is part of a huge sheet of rock which starts at the Farne Islands and runs along the Roman Wall and then under the Pennines. Molten rock was pushed up from the earth's surface, cooled, crystallized and formed the Whin Sill as we see it today. That’s the geography lesson over with!
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On reaching the sign post pointing the way to High Cup Nick and the Pennine Way ascend
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the bridleway, taking care you glance back at the view behind. On a clear day the Eden valley stretches out beyond and the Lake District fells together with the Solway Firth can be seen. The bridleway is wide and used frequently by the farmers and their various vehicles, but after rain several streams can form down any one of the gulleys which have been created by the traffic up and down here. The way is very clear, and height is gained quickly until you approach a walled area.
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Beyond here take the green track upwards and pick up the path, continuing to walk along the ridge. By now the chasm should be coming in to view; take a minute to gaze at it and be in awe of the immense size! Keep on to the end of this incredible feature where at the
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head, boulders tumble over the edge into the valley below. If you can find a sheltered spot (and it’s
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not very easy
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to do so) now would be a good time for lunch – what better view could you possibly have whilst enjoying a sandwich and a flask of something warming?
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Suitably refreshed, retrace your steps the way you came up – it’s not the best way to complete a walk, but with a view like this it isn’t really a hardship is it?
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