Best huts in North Pennines AONB are situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by its upland landscapes, open moorland, and river valleys. The region is known for its remote, high-altitude locations, including the highest bothy in England and Britain's highest Inn. This area offers opportunities for exploring diverse natural features and historical sites.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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Popular around North Pennines AONB
Bothies of Britain: hiking and biking adventures to unique mountain shelters
National Cycle Network Route 7 – Sunderland to Inverness
Weardale Way — Hike from the North Sea to the wild Pennines
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
The Pennine Rally — Bikepacking Edinburgh to Manchester
GBDURO 2021 — Gravel racing Land's End to John O'Groats
Lake to Lake Walk — Windermere to Kielder across the beautiful North
Teesdale Way — A riverside hike from wild Pennines to the North Sea
Isaac's Tea Trail — Walk the wild serenity of the North Pennines
Pennine Cycleway – An epic adventure along the UK's toughest ride
Detouring off the main path for a bit, you can easily reach this small structure from where you can peacefully observe not only the tarn but also the wildlife around it.
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The Baa is a hostel and campsite with its own pub. This small, unique and quirky little pub has a cobblestone floor and plenty of sheep related decorations. It serves local ales and its own range of sheep themed cocktails. In the garden are giant viking statues, thought to have been used as film props for the series Beowulf.
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Model castles and vikings just around the corner behind The Baa
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An old blacksmith’s shop and cottage for workers from the nearby lead mine, Greg’s Hut is now a respite for weary walkers tackling Cross Fell in the Pennines. England’s highest bothy at 700m, Greg’s is roomy but on the basic side – there’s a raised platform for sleeping, a wood-burning stove and a few odds and ends. But if you come armed with a flask of tea, a thick sweater and some kindling to get the fire going, Greg’s Hut makes for an authentic bothy stay in glorious surroundings.
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Currently (June 2023) under maintenance. What was finished really looked good
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Decent Bothy. Usually not as crowded as the Lakes counterparts! Feels pretty special! Last time I landed was in totally fuckin terrible weather on the gravel bike! The fire is a wonderful thing! Donate if you can¬!
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Hey, David. I was riding up there when they were filming. Some dishevelled woman with a hat crossing the road in front of me. Approach from Kirby Stephen, Swaledale or Reeth. Beware a westerly when travelling from Reeth. The climb can take over an hour & be grindingly tough |-<
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Film props from the series Beowulf (I think as it was filmed around the reservoir)
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Yes, several options cater to families. For example, Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn offers rooms and camping, and is described as a lively and welcoming place. The Baa Pub, Hostel and Viking Statues also functions as a hostel and campsite, featuring unique elements like giant Viking statues in its garden that can be fun for children. Additionally, Tarn Viewpoint and Bird Hide is a family-friendly spot where you can observe wildlife.
While specific dog-friendly policies for all huts aren't detailed, many outdoor accommodations in the North Pennines AONB, including some pubs and campsites, typically welcome dogs. For instance, Tarn Viewpoint and Bird Hide is listed as dog-friendly, offering a pleasant spot for you and your pet to enjoy nature.
Facilities vary significantly. Bothies like Greg's Hut offer basic amenities, primarily serving as a shelter for lunch breaks or emergency overnight stays. In contrast, places like Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn provide more extensive facilities, including rooms, camping, food, drinks, and even live music events.
Yes, the region is rich in history. Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn is a historic establishment itself, being Britain's highest Inn. The Baa Pub, Hostel and Viking Statues features giant Viking statues in its garden, thought to have been film props for the series Beowulf, adding a unique cultural touch.
The North Pennines AONB offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore various hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging routes. For example, you can find routes like the 'High Cup Nick loop from Dufton' or the 'Blanchland Geotrail' for hiking. The area is also excellent for gravel biking, with routes such as 'Consett to Waskerley Cycleway' available. Additionally, there are specific waterfall hikes like the 'High Force Waterfall – Low Force Waterfall loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking in North Pennines AONB, Gravel biking in North Pennines AONB, and Waterfall hikes in North Pennines AONB guides.
Yes, there are trails suitable for beginners and easy walks. For instance, the 'Blanchland Geotrail' is an easy hiking route. While bothies like Greg's Hut are in remote areas, the approach to some huts can be part of a moderate or easy walk, depending on your starting point. Always check the specific route difficulty before heading out.
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer and early autumn offer the most favorable weather for hiking and outdoor exploration. However, the North Pennines AONB is known for its remote, high-altitude locations, which can experience bad weather, especially around bothies like Greg's Hut. Winter visits are possible but require appropriate gear and experience due to challenging conditions.
Yes, the North Pennines AONB provides options for overnight hut treks. Traditional bothies like Greg's Hut are free to use and serve as basic shelters for overnight stops in remote areas. Additionally, establishments like Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn and The Baa Pub, Hostel and Viking Statues offer rooms and camping facilities for those looking for more comfortable overnight stays.
The North Pennines AONB is characterized by its upland landscapes, open moorland, and river valleys. Near the huts, you can find features like the tarn at Tarn Viewpoint and Bird Hide, where you can observe wildlife. The region is also home to high-altitude locations, including areas close to Cross Fell, England's highest point in the Pennines, near Greg's Hut.
Visitors appreciate the unique character and remote beauty of the region's huts. The sense of achievement from reaching places like Greg's Hut, England's highest bothy, is a highlight. The lively atmosphere, good food, and welcoming nature of places like Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn are also frequently praised. The quirky charm of The Baa Pub, Hostel and Viking Statues, with its unique decor and Viking statues, also stands out to many.
Yes, some huts are integrated with or close to pubs and restaurants. Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn is a pub that offers great food and drinks, as well as accommodation. Similarly, The Baa Pub, Hostel and Viking Statues is a pub that also functions as a hostel and campsite, serving local ales and unique cocktails.
The North Pennines AONB offers several unique hut experiences. Staying at Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn provides the experience of being at the highest pub in Great Britain, often with live music. Greg's Hut offers a truly remote bothy experience as the highest bothy in England. For something quirky, The Baa Pub, Hostel and Viking Statues combines a pub, hostel, campsite, and giant Viking statues in its garden.

