High Cup Nick, North Pennines, Summer
The last time we hiked up High Cup Nick (trying that saying three times fast) was back in August 2013.
Back then I was recovering from a recent mental breakdown.
On today’s hike to this epic chasm, I was stronger and healthier than I’ve ever been.
High Cup Nick, or High Cup Gill, is a short but steep U-shaped glaciated valley that cuts deeply into the North Pennine escarpment. Not only is it a spectacular sight for its sheer drops to the valley floor but it also features these columns and pillars of rock near the head of the valley; in places, these cliffs are 70+ ft high.
These cliffs of columnar dolerite is known as the Whin Sill, and it is exposed at various places throughout the North Pennines and further towards the North East of England. Perhaps two of the most famous examples of the Whin Sill can be found at High Force in County Durham—one of England’s most powerful waterfalls where the water drops off 22 m high Whin Sill cliffs—and at Hadrian’s Wall near Housesteads, Northumberland.
Lisabet and I set off early in the morning to ensure we could park safely at Dufton village, the start of our walk. Nine miles and 20,000+ steps later we returned to the car thoroughly exercised, cameras and phones filled with photos, and our brains filled with wonderful memories and experiences.
All photos taken on my Fujifilm X-T2 with a Fujinon XF 18–55mm f/2.8–4 lens using a customised Velvia film simulation.
A single foxglove (digitalis purpurea) points towards Dufton Pike (481 m/1,578 ft)
That’s right, a drystone wall. You know what I’m when it comes to drystone walls, especially if they give pleasing compositions like this.
A small hut by the side of the old quarry road.
Looking back down the route we’ve taken give us a moment to pause and reflect on the sheer open expanse of the Eden valley.
We’re gaining height. A break in the clouds illuminates Dufton Pike and Knock Pike (398 m/1,305 ft) beyond.
As we round the shoulder of Peeping Hill (510 m/1,673 ft) a look southeast reveals the flat-topped Middletongue Crag (456 m/1,496 ft) being highlighted, with Murton Pike’s (594 m/1,949 ft) gentle slopes looming above.
The first sign of what’s to come. The path continues up to the left but our gaze is fixated towards the steep valley of High Cup Nick and its rim of cliffs.
A small cascade tumbles down from Narrowgate Beacon (656 m/2,152 ft), known as Hannah’s Well.
My eye catches a slither of light scanning along the valley floor of High Cup Nick, highlighting the beautiful curves of the valley and the beck snaking its way towards the Eden valley.
Looking down the sheer drop to the floor and back up the other side.
As we approach the head of High Cup Nick our shooting frequency increases as the views get more and more epic. Here’s some of the Whin Sill cliffs on High Cup Nick’s northwestern flank.
This particular column of Whin Sill is known as Nichol’s Chair, named supposedly after a local cobbler who was challenged to climb the pinnacle then sole and heel a pair of shoes on its top.
Zooming in on the details of these cliffs, whilst the other side of valley gets blasted with light.
We’re not the only ones here. Hikers wander and rest by the head of High Cup Nick, enjoying the sights and views.
8 vertical frames, shot left to right and stitched together into a single panorama, reveal the full striking extent of High Cup Nick. A truly epic view of the “Grand Canyon of North England”.
The Whin Sill cliffs by High Cupgill Head are some of the tallest, around 70+ ft high.
A young couple rest and enjoy the views near the head of High Cup Nick.
After a spot of lunch we had a bit of a scramble down the gill at High Cupgill Head to grab some more views and photos.
Views such as this.
More fellwalkers make their way towards the head of High Cup Nick.
I wanted to show the scale of the Whin Sill cliffs and the precipitous drop in comparison to the tiny figures of people on the Pennine Way.
Streams of lights pour through the various gills in between numerous breaks within the Whin Sill cliff.
Tiny people near the edge of the cliffs at High Cupgill Head.
It’s, unfortunately, time to head back.
I tip-toed near the edge of the valley where Hannah’s Well tumbles down towards the valley floor as Strands Beck. This image is made up of four landscape frames at 18mm, shot from bottom to top, and later stitched together.
My lovely Lisabet enjoys the view back towards the head of High Cup Nick.
One last look back at the epic High Cup Nick.
A pleasant composition involving, yes, a drystone wall, Murton Pike, and some lovely light.
A Swaledale ewe staring me down.