That is, walk 23 in the “Walks from the S2C stations”. It is shortened to 8.6 miles and just under 2000 feet of ascent for ageing limbs. You can park down the lane to Bow Hall just outside Dufton, or, if really idle, at the top, just beyond Bow Hall. Go up past Bow Hall, noting the trees to the north, not to the south-west, as windbreak against the vicious Helm winds off the fells in winter, and turn right down the path to Town Head. The winery buildings looked neither open or in use, and there were no signs here. Hope it hasn’t shut. Follow the signs to the minor road and turn left, taking a footpath to the left off this just after Keisley Bridge. Go round the small hill to the left and head for a track to the left of Harbour Flatt. This leads up to the limestone cags of Middletongue , where a path now goes to the right round these and then up diagonally to the plateau above it.
Make your way whichever way takes your fancy to the obvious quad track leading up middle tongue. When it eases and you see two curracks, take the left fork, which leads to the left of the stony hillside and down to a stile. After this a delightful mile goes along a shelf, with splendid views across the valley, and ending at the Nick. Curve round this and make your way down the well used highway back to the car, the panorama of the Eden valley with Lake District hills in the distance is wonderful, and note the string of volcanic knolls along the skirt of the fells: from the north, Knock Pike, Dufton Pike, and Murton Pike to your right this morning. The Stag at Dufton closes at 3pm!
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