The best walks and hikes around Long Marton
4.3
(361)
2,537
hikers
113
hikes
Hikes around Long Marton explore the landscapes of the Eden Valley and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by rolling fells, dramatic geological formations, and riverside paths. The terrain offers a mix of moderate valley walks and more demanding ascents to prominent peaks, providing a variety of walking trails for different fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Long Marton
- The most popular hiking route is the High Cup Nick loop from Dufton — North…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.8
(77)
442
hikers
15.9km
04:42
440m
440m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
71
hikers
7.25km
02:17
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Sign up for free
4.5
(11)
55
hikers
14.9km
03:56
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.0
(3)
19
hikers
17.0km
05:19
670m
670m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
5
hikers
32.0km
09:31
930m
930m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The highest mountain in England outside of the Lake district, fantastic views if you can catch it on a clear day.
0
0
St Anne's hospital and almshouse. created by Lady Anne Clifford in the 17th century
0
0
you can't visit the castle unless booked in
0
0
Dufton Pike is a super nice hill and a UK designated P100, a hill with a 100 metres of prominence. The views from the top looking up towards Backstone Edge is super nice. It is a nice short, sharp pull to get to the top, but well worth it. The top has an unmarked summit.
0
0
Great Dun Fell is a great hill to do, and at 848 metres high, it is a UK designated Nuttall. Coming up from Milburn is a great hike, but a tad boggy in places. It also gives you a stiff hike with around 700 metres of height gain. It is all worth it, however, as the views out over the North Pennines are super expansive from out over the eastern side of the hill, a virtual moonscape of moorland. On the western side, you have distant views of the Lake District. There is a cairn on the top, but the true summit sits within the communications compound, which has restricted access.
2
0
A beautiful hill to hike and a glorious summit to have a break on. It has a wide plateaued top with a number of impressive stone cairns, as well as a trig point and a great dry stone cross shelter. I hiked the Kirkland loop, and this was a particularly nice loop to do. There is not that much of a view from the summit itself because it is so big and flat, but the views to and from it are really nice, in particular over towards Little Dun Fell.
1
0
Great Dun Fell is a mountain in the Pennines of northern England, and it is known for several distinctive features. Here are some key points about Great Dun Fell: Location: Great Dun Fell is located in the Pennines, which is a range of hills and mountains running through the centre of northern England. It is situated in the Eden district of Cumbria. Elevation: It is the second-highest point in the Pennines, with an elevation of 848 meters (2,782 feet) above sea level. Cross Fell, another peak in the Pennines, is slightly higher. Radome: One of the most noticeable features of Great Dun Fell is the large white radome (golf ball) structure at its summit. The radome houses a radar installation, and it is part of the air traffic control radar network. Communication Infrastructure: In addition to the radar, Great Dun Fell hosts various communication masts and installations. The summit area is home to a collection of structures related to telecommunications. Access: The summit of Great Dun Fell is accessible by a private road that leads to the radar station. However, access to the general public is restricted due to the presence of sensitive installations. Pennine Way: Great Dun Fell is located near the Pennine Way, a long-distance footpath that runs through the Pennines. While the summit itself may not be accessible to walkers, the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the Pennine landscape. Views: The summit of Great Dun Fell provides panoramic views of the surrounding Pennine hills and valleys. On clear days, the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales are visible in the distance. Weather: Like many high points in the Pennines, Great Dun Fell can experience challenging weather conditions, including high winds and rapid changes in weather. It's important for visitors to be prepared for varying conditions. While the summit area is not open to the public due to its military and telecommunications use, the surrounding region offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the Pennines and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Always check for any access restrictions and local guidelines before planning a visit.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks starting near Long Marton?
Yes, the area is excellent for circular hikes. Many routes begin in nearby villages like Dufton. For a moderate walk with fantastic views of the surrounding fells, the Dufton Pike loop is a popular choice. It offers a rewarding climb without the commitment of a full day's trek.
What are some good family-friendly walks in the area?
For an easier outing suitable for families, consider exploring Dufton Ghyll Wood, which offers gentle and accessible woodland paths. Another option is a walk around Thacka Beck Nature Reserve in Penrith, providing a pleasant and relatively flat experience for all ages.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Long Marton?
Most trails in the region are welcoming to dogs, but it's important to be mindful of livestock. The North Pennines is an active farming area, so you'll likely encounter sheep. Always keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing season (spring) and when near farm animals.
Can I see any waterfalls on a hike near Long Marton?
The region has several impressive waterfalls. A visit to Low Force Waterfall is highly recommended; it's a beautiful series of cascades on the River Tees and is accessible via nearby walking paths. For a more dramatic sight, Aira Force is another popular waterfall set within scenic woodland trails.
How difficult is the hike to Cross Fell?
The trek to Cross Fell, the highest point in the Pennines, is a serious undertaking. The loop from Dufton is a long and challenging route, best suited for experienced hikers with good navigation skills. The weather can change rapidly at this altitude, so be sure to go fully prepared.
Are there any challenging hikes besides the main peaks?
Absolutely. For a strenuous day out with significant elevation gain, the Great Dun Fell and Knock Fell loop is an excellent choice. This demanding hike rewards you with expansive views and takes you past the distinctive radar station on Great Dun Fell.
What are the options for riverside walks?
The Eden Valley offers lovely riverside walks. The Hoff & Great Ormside loop from Appleby-in-Westmorland provides a pleasant, moderate walk along the water. You can also explore the paths along the River Eden near Lacy's Caves, which are a unique historical feature carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Where is the best place to park for hikes starting from Dufton?
Dufton has a dedicated public car park which is the main starting point for popular routes like the High Cup Nick and Dufton Pike loops. It can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended to secure a space.
How many hiking trails are available around Long Marton?
There is a wide variety of trails to explore, with over 100 routes mapped on komoot. These range from 46 easy walks perfect for a casual afternoon to over 15 difficult treks for seasoned hikers, ensuring there's a path for every ability.
What do other hikers say about the trails in this area?
The trails around Long Marton are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the dramatic geology of the North Pennines, particularly the stunning views at High Cup Nick, and the mix of challenging fell walks and peaceful riverside paths.
What is the terrain like for hiking around Long Marton?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle, rolling hills and flat riverside paths in the Eden Valley. As you move into the North Pennines AONB, the trails become more rugged and steep, with ascents to high, exposed fells. Good hiking boots are essential for most routes.
Are there any historical sites I can see on a walk?
Yes, the area is rich in history. A flat, easy walk can take you from the Neolithic Mayburgh Henge to the ruins of Brougham Castle along the River Eamont. For something more unusual, the walk to Lacy's Caves reveals a series of 18th-century chambers carved directly into the riverside cliffs.
Most popular routes around Long Marton
Most popular attractions around Long Marton
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
