Stage 1 of the Westmorland and Furness Way runs Alston to Milburn — 16.5 miles (26.6 km) across the North Pennines National Landscape, rated High, with around 644 m of ascent and a high point of 784 m. A free GPX download and route map are below.
Quick Answer: Alston to Milburn Distance & Difficulty
How far is it from Alston to Milburn on the Westmorland and Furness Way?
Stage 1 covers 16.5 miles (26.6 km) from Alston to Milburn across the North Pennines. It's the highest and most remote stage, rated High, with around 644 metres of climbing and the whole trail's high point of about 784 metres near Greg's Hut, before a steep descent into the Eden Valley. Garrigill, about 4 miles in, is the last village before the moors, so carry the day's food and water. A free GPX and GeoJSON download is below, no registration required.
- Distance: 16.5 miles / 26.6 km
- Difficulty: High: open moorland, the most remote stage
- Elevation gain: ~644 m (the official guide quotes 677 m)
- High point: ~784 m near Greg's Hut, the highest on the trail
- Getting to Alston: bus from Haltwhistle station on the Tyne Valley line
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Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against a digital elevation model (Open-Meteo (Copernicus DEM)). Figures are approximate.
Key Takeaways
Terrain & What to Expect
Stage 1 sets the tone for the whole trail: this is the highest, wildest and most committing day on the Westmorland and Furness Way. From Alston — at around 300 m, one of England's highest market towns — the route follows the River South Tyne upstream, sharing ground with the South Tyne Trail and brushing the Pennine Way as it climbs onto the roof of the North Pennines.
The middle of the stage is true upland: open moorland, blanket bog and big skies, with the bulk of Cross Fell (893 m) — the highest point in the Pennines — dominating the skyline. The lead-mining bothy at Greg's Hut is a well-known shelter up here, and the trail's own high point sits close by. Underfoot, expect rough, wet, sometimes trackless ground where navigation matters in poor visibility.
After the high crossing the route drops steeply off the escarpment into the Eden Valley, finishing in the quiet village of Milburn with its striking green. It is a serious mountain day: carry proper waterproofs, food, water and the means to navigate, and pick your weather window.
Transport: Getting to the Start & Finish
Getting to the start (Alston): Alston has no railway station. The most frequent bus link is from Haltwhistle, a station on the Tyne Valley line between Newcastle and Carlisle, with buses up to every two hours Monday to Saturday. Other buses to Carlisle, Penrith and Hexham run only on certain days or in the summer season. It is a small, remote town, so check current timetables before you travel and allow for limited evening and Sunday services.
Leaving the finish (Milburn): Milburn is a small village with sparse public transport. The only bus is the Fellrunner community bus, which runs to and from Penrith on Tuesdays only, so most walkers arrange a taxi to a larger centre such as Penrith or Appleby, or continue to accommodation nearby. Book taxis in advance rather than relying on turning up.
Where to Stay & Eat
Alston has the best range of accommodation and resupply at this end of the trail — pubs, cafés, B&Bs and a small supermarket — so stock up before you set off.
Between Alston and Milburn the high moorland has no shops or reliable refreshment, so carry everything you need for the day. Garrigill, about 4 miles in, has some accommodation, public toilets and a post office, but its village pub has been closed long-term, so don't count on buying a meal there.
Milburn itself is small; book accommodation ahead, or plan onward transport to Appleby or Penrith for a wider choice of places to stay and eat.
Stage 1 FAQs
The trail's high point is on Stage 1, up on the roof of the North Pennines near Greg's Hut, at roughly 780–790 m (based on the route's elevation data). Cross Fell — the highest Pennine summit at 893 m — rises just off the line as an optional detour for strong walkers in good conditions.
This is the most serious stage on the route: high, exposed and partly trackless across open moorland. In mist, rain or wind it demands confident navigation with map, compass and GPS, proper mountain kit, and a sensible turn-back plan. In poor forecasts many walkers postpone or choose a lower alternative — treat it as a full mountain day, not a valley stroll.
No — once you leave Alston there are no shops on the high crossing, and Garrigill, about 4 miles in, has a post office but its pub has been closed long-term. Carry all the food and water you need for the whole day, and resupply in Alston beforehand.
Continue the Trail
More trip-planning FAQs · New to the trail? What is the Westmorland and Furness Way?
Plan the whole walk: walking tips · accommodation & transport · kit & safety · itineraries & best time to walk · the landscape & history