NY6926 : Dufton Pike from Pennine Way

Dufton Pike

481m Elevation
163m Prominence
England Country
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NY6926 : Dufton Pike from Pennine Way

David Brown Photo source

Overview

Dufton Pike: A Walk to Remember

Dufton Pike is a delightful Marilyn nestled in the stunning North Pennines, standing at a height of 678 meters. This peak is not just another bump on the landscape; it’s a must-visit for hikers looking for a blend of challenge and reward.

Geology

The mountain is primarily composed of limestone, remnants of ancient coral reefs from the Carboniferous period. The distinctive rocky cliffs and unique karst features make for a captivating geological landscape that even geologists can’t resist pondering over.

Routes

The most popular route begins in the quaint village of Dufton. The path is well-trodden, and though steep in parts, it offers rewarding vistas as you penetrate deeper into the terrain. Be sure to wear sturdy boots unless you fancy an impromptu footbath in the local bogs!

Summit Features

Reaching the summit, hikers are greeted by a sizeable stone cairn and a trig point, perfect for social media snaps or simply to prove to friends that you made it. The views from here are nothing short of breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding region stretching as far as the eye can see.

Terrain

Expect a mixture of rugged and rocky pathways interspersed with grassy slopes. Each twist and turn of the trail adds to the charm and challenge, making it a rewarding undertaking for most hikers.

Views

From the pinnacle of Dufton Pike, the sights are nothing short of awe-inspiring. You can spot notable landmarks such as Cross Fell and the scenic Eden Valley. For those photography enthusiasts, sunrise is undoubtedly the golden hour, so set that alarm early!

Hazards

As with many outdoor adventures, caution is key. Beware of loose rocks, steep inclines, and keep an eye on the weather, as it can change faster than you can say 'neighbours from hell'.

Nearby Summits

If you fancy sticking around, Cross Fell and Great Dun Fell are worthy companions to add to your walking plan.

Access

The village of Dufton offers a small but convenient parking area. If you're relying on public transport, be sure to plan ahead; the local bus service from Appleby-in-Westmorland is your best bet.

Facilities

After a long day of hiking, indulging in a pint at a local pub or a treat from one of the village's cafes is highly recommended. You’ve earned it!

History

The name 'Dufton' has Old Norse roots, hinting at its historical significance. Over the years, it has formed part of ancient trails, making it essential for both locals and tourists alike.

Don’t just take our word for it; come and experience the magic of Dufton Pike yourself. Bring along your adventurous spirit and a sense of humour – you might just need it!

Explore routes near Dufton Pike

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Long Meg and Lacy's Caves

8.2 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Stanhope, the River Wear and the Fossil Tree

2.9 km ~1h 15m Easy

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Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Dufton to Summit

A popular and relatively direct ascent that takes you from the village of Dufton straight to the summit for stunning views.

4 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

481m

1,579 ft

Prominence

163m

Coordinates

54.6339, -2.4665

NY699266

OS Map

91

Explorer: OL19N

At the Summit

The summit features a large stone cairn and a trig point, making for a perfect photo op once you've conquered the peak!

Terrain & Geology

Rugged and rocky with grassy slopes leading up to the summit.

Dufton Pike is primarily composed of limestone, which contributes to its distinctive rugged cliffs and once formed part of a coral reef system during the Carboniferous period. The area is also known for interesting karst features.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding North Pennines, including Cross Fell and the Eden Valley.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Dufton' derives from the Old Norse for 'hill of the doe', while 'Pike' refers to a steep hill or mountain.

Historical Significance

Dufton Pike has been part of local folklore and is a popular landmark for walkers, providing a vital link in the ancient trails of the North Pennines.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area in the village of Dufton, approximately 1 km from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Appleby-in-Westmorland to Dufton, though check schedules as they can vary.

Nearby Facilities

There are a few local pubs and cafes in Dufton itself, offering refreshments and restrooms.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and steep embankments; beware of sudden weather changes common in the region.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Dufton Pike?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Dufton Pike through the maps

Are there other walkers around Dufton Pike?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Dufton Pike search or of course create your own walk for Dufton Pike

Can I organise a walk to Dufton Pike?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Dufton Pike.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Dufton Pike?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Dufton Pike here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY699266

View on OpenStreetMap

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