This stage of the Pennine Way is one of the most memorable along the entire trail. So good is this hike that Wainwright described it as “a walk of near perfection”.

Along the way, you see the most iconic landmark on the way, High Cup Nick, an enormous u-shaped valley that is hailed as one of the best examples in England, as well as some impressive waterfalls and spellbinding scenery.

The day begins with a leisurely ascent out of Middleton-in-Teesdale through wildflower meadows alongside the River Tees.

You continue along the river banks until you reach the thundering wall of water, High Force. This impressive waterfall drastically drops 69 feet (21 meters) into the plunge pool below.

From High Force, you continue the ascent past Cronkley Scar before a challenging scramble by Cauldron Snout, a rocky ravine below that the infant River Tees descends through spectacularly.

The next section over the moors might be a little tricky to navigate, but the effort is well worth for today’s climax: High Cup Nick. The view over this gigantic glaciated valley and the scenery surrounding it is breathtaking.

Dufton has a range of places to stay, eat, and drink.