Scotland
Affric Kintail Way
Coming soon
- On trail 18.9 mi 30.5 km
- Walking time 9–10 h
- Ascent 1,030 m 3,400 ft
- Descent 930 m 3,050 ft
- Difficulty Hard
Cross Fell: the highest point and the toughest day on the Way.
Section 11: Dufton to Alston map
Example stay Alston Youth Hostel (opens in a new tab)
Cross-check: Pennine Way route description on National Trails . The walk follows that page's sixteen days, checked 17 October 2026. Distance and climb are measured on our line between these ends, not taken from its mile figures.
The walk
The toughest day on the Pennine Way: one of the longest legs, the highest point, and over 1,000 metres of ascent to the loftiest ground in England outside the Lake District. A long climb from Dufton reaches Knock Fell, then Great Dun Fell and its radar dome, Little Dun Fell and Cross Fell, where England's coldest temperature and strongest gust were recorded. The long Corpse Road miners' track descends to Garrigill, then the South Tyne leads to Alston. This is how you earn your Wayfarer's spurs.
-
Start of section
Dufton
-
Great Dun Fell
The radar dome on its summit is visible for miles. In bad weather a road reaches it from below, a recognised way to skip Knock Fell and some difficult moor.
-
Highest point
Cross Fell
The top of the Pennine Way: a broad, stony plateau, often in cloud. Find the cairns and keep the compass handy even on a clear day.
-
Bothy
Greg's Hut
A walkers' bothy on the miners' track below Cross Fell, and a Pennine Way institution. Shelter from the weather, and a possible night for the self-sufficient.
-
Garrigill
The first village after the fells, at the foot of the Corpse Road. Some walkers stop here; otherwise the South Tyne leads on to Alston. Check the footbridge diversion before you set out.
-
End of section
Alston
Section 11: Dufton to Alston overview
The ground
- Big climb
- Exposed tops
- Navigation
- Long descent
The biggest climb and highest ground on the Way. Harder than any other section: the most climbing, the highest summit and the most exposure. The Cheviots are longer, but not higher.
Stops
Refreshments
- Nothing between Dufton and Garrigill. Greg's Hut
- a walkers' bothy below Cross Fell
- offers shelter. Garrigill has the George & Dragon Inn; Alston has pubs
- cafés
- a Co-op
- a Spar and a youth hostel
Toilets
- No source used for this section names a public toilet
Before you go
Opposite direction
Alston to Dufton
Walked north to south, you follow the South Tyne up to Garrigill, climb the long Corpse Road onto Cross Fell, cross Little Dun Fell, Great Dun Fell and Knock Fell, and drop to Dufton. The climb is just as big and the navigation just as serious.
End of section
Dufton
Dufton to Alston FAQ
How hard is Dufton to Alston?
The hardest section on the Pennine Way: long, with the most climbing and the highest point at Cross Fell. Navigation can be tricky and the tops are exposed. Pick your weather if you can.
Is the path between Garrigill and Alston open?
The South Tyne footbridge between Garrigill and Alston is flood-damaged and the Way is diverted (National Trails, October 2026). Check the National Trails notice for the current line before you walk.
Can I stop at Garrigill?
Yes. Garrigill has the George & Dragon Inn and a few B&Bs. Our longer plans stop there and walk to Alston and beyond the next day.
Can I download a GPX for Dufton to Alston?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Used as Day 11 on the 15-day. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 15-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
Explore