Six Walks to do from Appleby

Appleby is in a prime location for amazing walks, ranging from lowland valley hikes to long-distance trails and hill days. Here are a few beautiful nearby walks in and around Appleby…

  • Dufton Pike 

Distance: 8km Time: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Medium 

Dufton Pike is hard to miss as it towers over the Eden Valley from the North.  Despite its obvious presence, this is a route often overlooked by tourists who bypass it and head to the Lake District, making this a quiet, secluded fell. The route starts in Dufton, less than 10 minutes away from Appleby and follows a short but steep footpath winding up and down the grassy slopes. The views from the summit span across the Eden Valley and the Pennines, providing stunning scenes just as beautiful as the nearby Lake District fells. 

  • The Appleby Two Rivers Walk

Distance: 16km Time: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Medium 

The Appleby 'Two Rivers' walk (Hoff Beck and Eden River) starts from the Moot Hall in Appleby and follows a riverside footpath along Hoff Beck, passing by Rutter Force; a spectacular, horseshoe shaped waterfall, alongside which is an old sandstone mill building with a restored waterwheel, dating back to the 16th Century. At one time the waterwheel generated electricity for Great Asby village. From the waterfall, the route heads towards Great Ormside and follows the course of the River Eden back to the village. 

  • Kirkby Stephen to Appleby 

Distance: 24km Time: 5-6 hours Difficulty: Medium 

For a challenging, adventurous day out, hop on the train from Appleby to Kirkby Stephen and save yourself the return fair by hiking the way back! The walk back may be long, but it’s not necessarily difficult, passing through quiet meadowland and flat field paths. The route starts directly from Kirkby Stephen Railway Station and meanders through woodland, following the River Eden until it reaches Appleby. 

  • High Cup Nick 

Distance: 17km Time: 4-5hours Difficulty: Medium 

High Cup Nick is one of the most spectacular geological features in England. The U-shaped glaciated valley is nestled in the Pennine fell side and has been described as the Grand Canyon of the North. The deep chasm is visited by hikers on the Pennine Way and can be reached from Cow Green Reservoir or Dufton. The village of Dufton is a closer starting point from Appleby, and follows a footpath passing by the foot of Dufton Pike towards Great Rundale. The route passes through moorland before reaching the High Cup Plain. Heading over the plain, the views instantly appear as the ground suddenly falls away, revealing the dramatic chasm of High Cup Nick. You may not think this is possible when standing at the head of the valley, but the return footpath descends steeply through the middle of the valley. A gap in the stones can be found as you make your away along the escarpment. Cross the scrambley boulder field until you reach the valley floor and follow the river through the valley, then back along the road to Dufton. 

  • Acorn Bank to Temple Sowerby Walk 

Distance: 5.1km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy

Less than 20 minutes drive away from Appleby, the route from Acorn Bank to Temple Sowerby is a peaceful, remote walk exploring woodland and riverside trails. The route begins at Acorn Bank car park and follows a woodland footpath, which is a haven for wildlife. The route shortly passes through a field and follows the riverbank, which is home to herons, salmon and crayfish. The footpath goes under a  viaduct and visits the church of St Edmund before Newbiggin village. The farmhouse as the crossroads features a date stone from 1695! Follow the sign at the road towards Temple Sowerby, passing under a railway bridge and footbridge over Brik Sike before reaching the village. After you’ve explored the historic village, head back to Acorn Bank via the T-junction. You will see Acorn Bank ahead nestled under Cross Fell.

  • Cross Fell

Distance: 13km Time: 4-5 hours Difficulty: Challenging 

When visiting the Pennines area, why not tackle the biggest hill of them all! At 893 metres, Cross Fell is the highest point in the Pennines, offering views of the Lake District as well as the west and east coast. The route starts from the little village of Dufton, around 10 minutes away from Appleby. The most popular route up to England’s highest point (outside of the Lake District), ascends via the waymarked Pennine Way, up to Knock Fell, over Great and Little Dun Fells and finally finishing at the impressive dry-stone shelter that marks the summit of Cross Fell. The route requires a long return journey back, or you can spend a night in Greg’s Hut bothy on the northern side of the mountain.