Pen

Pen

Pen Group Walks | Join a Walk

228m Elevation
72m Prominence
England Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

200-299m Tump

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Pen together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

228m

748 ft

Prominence

72m

Coordinates

54.3600, -3.1890

SD228967

OS Map

96

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

The summit features a sizeable stone cairn, which can happily serve as a perfect backdrop for that all-important selfie. There's also a small trig point to boot!

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy stretches with certain areas becoming boggy after rainfall so it pays to be cautious.

Predominantly sandstone with underlayers of limestone, offering a unique blend of geology that supports both beautiful scenery and wildlife. The formations here have seen their fair share of geological drama from ancient seas to glacial activity.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, the Lake District hills and the sprawling vistas of the North Pennines are on full display. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Hadrian's Wall in the distance!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Pen' derives from the Old English word for 'hill', reflecting its prominent stature in the surrounding landscape.

Historical Significance

Historically, the area has ties to local farming and sheep rearing, making it a vital spot for local communities.

Popular Routes

From Burnside

Moderate

A well-trodden path starting near the quaint village of Burnside, this route will have you climbing steadily with pleasant views along the way.

6.5 km 2.5 hours

North Ridge

Challenging

For those feeling a little more adventurous, the North Ridge presents a steeper ascent with a rocky scramble towards the top. Not for the faint of heart!

4 km 3 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the village of Burnside, which can accommodate several cars. Do bear in mind that it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate to Dufton, from where the walk to the start of the route begins. Check local timetables for details.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, both Burnside and Appleby-in-Westmorland offer cafes, pubs, and restrooms for a well-deserved break post-hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and potential boggy patches, especially after wet weather. Ensure you have appropriate footwear.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Pen?

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

Are there other walkers around Pen?

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 Pen search or of course create your own walk for Pen

Can I organise a walk to Pen?

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 Pen.

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 Pen?

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 Pen 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