Dufton Pike, Backstone Edge and High Cup

[Broggy1]

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I arrived in Long Marton near Appleby on Saturday afternoon with the weather a little cooler than the day before but still very pleasant.

It was 2pm when I left Dufton for the easy stroll to the foot of Dufton Pike and then the short but steep ascent up to it's immaculate conical summit. Both Dufton Pike and nearby Murton Pike are small by hill standards but certainly make up two of the best short walks in the North Pennine area.

The views from the top were superb and well worth the diversion.

Dufton Pike from the approach route

Lakeland from Dufton Pike summit

Cross Fell Massif from Dufton Pike summit

Looking up Great Rundale - where I'm going next!

I took a direct route down from the top of the pike to hit the mine road heading up Great Rundale. This part of the walk is very pleasant and is very similar to many areas of the Lake District in terms of scenery rather than other areas of the North Pennines.

The track eventually comes to an end at a shooting hut with Great Rundale Tarn nearby and the upland mass of Dufton Fell leading to the Hewitts of Knock Fell and Meldon Hill respectively.

From the tarn on a good day you can clearly see the cairn on Backstone Edge and a direct route is easy! On a misty day you could be looking forever and it is probably advisable to head back down the mine road if you don't know the area.

Today I headed for the cairn and then the slightly lower nearby Trig Point. Backstone Edge just fails to classify as a Hewitt but does classify as a Nuttall.

Great Rundale tarn with Meldon Hill and Mickle Fell behind

Summit of Backstone Edge

Trig Point on Backstone Edge

The highlight of the day now followed with a walk along the summit escarpment on a faint path towards Narowgate Beacon where you get the best view of High Cup Nick possible.

The "Shark Fin" of Dufton Pike from the edge walk

High Cup Nick from Narrowgate Beacon

I then took a fairly abrupt route downhill to join with the Pennine way coming from High Cup Nick which led me all the way back to Dufton.

This walk really surprised me and has to be one of the best circular walks in the North Pennines with interest and great views all the way. You may not get a Hewitt summit out of it but Backstone Edge actually has more going for it than many of the surrounding summits and really is a worthwhile hike.

On the Pennine Way

Back in Dufton

[johnkaysleftleg]

Looks like a fantastic day in a glorious part of the world.

[ChrisW]

Great stuff Broggy with some lovely photos of a wonderful part of the world Though I may be a little biased

[Broggy1]

Thanks!

It really was a great weekend for walking and this walk was excellent. Defo one I will be doing again as I'm in the area lots .