Dufton Pike
one of Britain’s best kept secrets
Dufton, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6DB
Visit WebsiteThe Eden Valley is one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Lush green countryside, historic market towns and some of the quietest walking routes in the North West can be found here. One of our favourite routes is the walk up Dufton Pike from the charming village of Dufton, not far from Appleby.
- Children Welcome
- Multiple Dogs Allowed
- Parking
- Rural Walks
Good to know
Overview
This relatively small hill offers views worthy of a far higher mountain. For a fairly easy climb, you are rewarded with panoramic views over the Eden Valley, the Howgills and the North Pennines. On a clear day you might even be able to see as far as the Lake District!
Look out for the view over Great Rundale which is easily missed while you look ahead but deserves a pause for admiration. And if you like geology, Dufton Pike is one of the oldest hills in the North Pennines, formed around 450 million years ago – about 100 million years earlier than most of its neighbours.
The walk up Dufton Pike crosses through farmland and open countryside, including the odd enclosed lane where you can let your dog off the lead, but make sure to keep your dog on a lead when around livestock. To reach the summit of Dufton Pike you will have to detour away from the footpath over access land up a series of short steeper climbs – it’s worth it though, and you’re at the top in next to no time.
Access land rules when you have a dog can be a little confusing, but generally, keeping dogs on a short lead is permitted unless there is a dog ban in place. You can check if somewhere has a dog restriction in place by checking on the Natural England website. If there is a dog ban in place, you are still allowed to walk your dog here as long as you are following a Public Right of Way (like a public footpath or a bridleway).
Talk about confusing! Fortunately, at the time of writing there is no such restriction in place on Dufton Pike, so your dog can join you at the summit to enjoy those spectacular views.
For The Dogs
Bring leads, poop bags and plenty of treats.
Opening Hours
None as such, but daylight hours are definitely recommended.
Parking
Parking is free in the small car park in Dufton, or park roadside by the village green.
The Area
From Dufton you can pick up the Pennine Way, sometimes referred to as ‘the Backbone of England’. If you don’t fancy tackling this 268 mile long-distance trail, from Dufton you can also reach High Cup Nick, one of the most awe-inspiring places in the north of England. The Howgill Fells are just a short distance away to the south and are a walker’s paradise. Visit Cautley Spout, England’s highest above ground waterfall, haul yourself up the unbelievably steep path to the summit of Yarlside, or visit the historic towns of Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale.
