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.
Free and un-gated — no sign-up. Load the GPX into your GPS device or phone app.
Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against the Copernicus DEM (Open-Meteo). 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, England's highest market town — 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 is reached by bus from Hexham, which has rail connections towards Newcastle. It is a small, remote town, so check current timetables before you travel and allow for limited evening services.
Leaving the finish (Milburn): Milburn is a small village with sparse public transport. Many walkers arrange a taxi to a larger centre such as Penrith or Appleby, or continue to accommodation nearby. Confirm any bus service and taxi availability in advance rather than relying on turning up.
Some details on this stage change with the seasons or the trail's ongoing development. Confirm these against a current, primary source before you set off:
- Current operational status of amenities/pubs in Garrigill for resupply.
- Dryburn bridge closure and diversion.
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, early in the stage, has historically had a village pub and hall, but rural amenities open and close seasonally — don't count on resupply there without checking first.
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 refreshment at Garrigill is seasonal and not guaranteed. Carry all the food and water you need for the whole day, and resupply in Alston beforehand.