Pennine Way Day 10 - Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dufton

Well here we are - Back at the exact spot we took a photo at the end of our 1st half of the Pennine Way nearly two years ago. This time we had Paul along with us for the day to keep the pace up and to also inspire us with his positivity and endurance.

It wasn't long before we were walking alongside the beautiful River Tees in the morning sunshine.

Approaching Low Force

I bet were not the first to do that !

A mile further on and its the splendour of High Force.

Don't go too close to the edge.

We enjoyed an early lunch at High Force and agreed it would be a good place to bring the missus for a gentle circular walk - Something I intend to do before the summer is out.

Onwards in a westerly direction on the Pennine Way (and also on 'A Pennine Journey' route I note).

A calm River Tees as we head into Upper Teesdale.

A blot on this beautiful landscape - Dine Holm Quarry.

The River Tees meanders it's way around Cronkley Scar

Abandoned old farm buildings in front of Cronkley Scar.

Very friendly ones these.

A bit of rock hopping around Holmwath. We met someone here who was doing the walk in his bare feet (Sandie Shaw style) - madness. Plus a chap from Austria who was walking from John O'Groats to Lands End in one hit, that is some walk.

Cauldrons Snout with a lovely bit of hand to rock to do on the right hand side of the falls. Easy and enjoyable, best note that there are no exposure concerns here as the route is well to the right of this photo.

The last bit of the River Tees (or should I say the first bit), as we approach it's source.

Cow Green Reservoir, the Pennine Way doesn't actually go round or past the reservoir (so no photo's of the expanse of water) as this is as close as you get. The route now heads off southwards in parallel with Maize Beck.

Approaching High Cup Nick.

I've always wanted to visit High Cup Nick - the amazing sight of the U shaped valley caused by glacial erosion was not a disappointment and many a photo was taken. As with the majority of the Pennine Way, the place was deserted and we had this natural beauty all to ourselves.

Looking down (the very steep drop) in the direction of Appleby-in-Westmorland.

I wish I knew a lot about geology as there were interesting layers of stone here which I don't think were sedimentary - maybe one day I'll find out.

Mostly downhill from here as we start to do the last few miles of the day. Good news for Paul as he had become delirious and was heard talking to himself on the way down.

With our destination in sight, thoughts turned to the beer at the end of the walk and our night out tonight in Appleby.

The last few hundred yards through the lovely little village of Dufton.

Possibly the most appreciated sight of the day !

Lovely pint - but they always taste good at the end of a twenty mile walk.