Pennine Way 17 Dufton to Garrigill

Today's walk promised to be a hard one as it covered the highest point on the Pennine Way, was 16 miles long and involved around 3000ft of climbing. The 'B' party had the option of taking a mini bus covering the first 4 miles and the bulk of the climb. I decided with some of the 'B' party to join the 'A' party for this walk and hope that we could keep up!

We set of at a brisk place in almost fine weather, just a passing shower and a bit of mist around. It wasn't long before the usual 'A' party members were well ahead of the 'B' s that had joined them but at least the leaders Malcolm and Steve were kind to us and gave us encouragement to carry on.


We made our way steadily upwards passing numerous cairns to Knock Fell (2604ft) and then to the radar station where we stopped for lunch with views of Cow Green reservoir in the distance.




After lunch the final push to Little Dun Fell (2761 ft) and the shelter on the summit of Cross Fell (2930 ft). Yes it was quite a hard slog for me but the sense of achievement made it worthwhile.

After a moment to draw breath, touch the trig point and admire the view, off we set again down hill thankfully with wonderful views all around us. A short visit to Greg's Hut, a mountain bothy that would have been a haven in bad weather but fortunately not needed by us on this occasion!

The rest of the walk sounds easy, all down hill, a miner's track to follow, easy-peasy! However the miner's path, known as the Corpse Road, goes on for seven long miles down to Garrigill and for the most part is a rough stony surface that punishes the soles of your feet and ankles. Thankfully the weather was still good, the views were splendid and we chatted to each other along the way to help pass the time. The people at the front of the 'A' party only just caught the 'B' party before they reached the end of the walk.

At last the sleepy village of Garrigill came into view and a chance to sit for a while on the village green and reflect on a good weekend's walking and 29 more miles of the Pennine Way under our belts!

On the coach at last, a very friendly group, shared their remaining food and drink as William drove us safely home again. No more Pennine Way walks now until next March, so hopefully all the winter weather will have gone by the time we return to Garrigill in 2010.
Thanks to Peter who took all today's photos. I didn't have the energy for photos and climbing hills!

Pennine Way 16 Langdon Beck to Dufton

A hard weekend ahead of us as we set off on Friday evening to stay in Dufton or near by in Appleby. I stayed in the YHA at Dufton and was lucky enough to see a red squirrel in the garden on Sunday morning!















It took us quite a while to reach Langdon Beck on Saturday morning and we were all relieved to pick up where we left off last time and head off into the wilds of Upper Teesdale. Here we walked beside the winding river which was quite difficult at times crossing numerous rock falls.

And then suddenly the river bends to the right and the noise of Cauldron Snout can be heard as it rushes down a rocky gorge. Quite a steep and exciting climb up the side of the waterfall takes you to the dam wall of Cow Green Reservoir where we stoppd for a lunch break.


















After lunch we left the River Tees behind us and followed Maize Beck until it reached the highlight of the day High Cup NickThe views were incredible and Peter has taken some splendid photographs of this vast glaciated bowl.

We followed the north rim of the valley with the silvery thread of High Cup Gill glinting in the sunshine far below. A few miles further on we dropped down into Dufton where a tepid shower (if you were lucky!), and a blazing fire awaited us. We spent a very pleasant evening chatting, eating and drinking before retiring to bed to get a good night's sleep before the next demanding day on the fells.