Knock Hush, Green Fell and Knock Old Man Loop

This medium-grade loop explores the high eastern flank of the Eden Valley in the North Pennines, climbing from the tiny hamlet of Knock onto open fellside, past old mining scars, and up to the broad summit country around Knock Fell. Over roughly 12 km / 7.5 miles, with about 500 m / 1,640 ft of ascent, it packs in a steady climb, long exposed sections, and a strong sense of remoteness despite starting close to settled farmland. The route is best thought of as a moorland and fell walk rather than a path-rich lowland circuit: underfoot conditions can be wet, rough, and occasionally indistinct, and the higher ground is very exposed to wind and sudden cloud. The area sits within the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark, noted for its moorland scenery and striking geology. (discoveringbritain.org)

The start is near Knock, a small village about 5 miles / 8 km north of Appleby-in-Westmorland. A useful nearest address for planning is Knock village, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria CA16 6DL, and for this shorter fell loop many walkers use the end of the public road west of Knock, past Knock Christian Centre, near grid reference NY686 288, where roadside parking is commonly used with care and consideration. There are no facilities at the immediate start. Appleby-in-Westmorland is the nearest rail access point, and older route notes identify Appleby station as the closest station at about 5 miles / 8 km away. Public transport to Knock is limited: current local community transport information shows a Friday Community Wheels service linking Appleby, Dufton, Knock, Silverband and Milburn, while older published walk notes also mention a very limited bus link from Appleby to Knock. Because services in this area are sparse and can be demand-responsive or infrequent, checking the latest local timetable before travel is essential. (discoveringbritain.org)

The opening section leaves the settled edge of Knock and quickly trades lanes and pasture for a more rugged upland feel. Early on, the route typically follows signed public footpaths toward the back of Knock Pike and the Pennine Way approach, crossing stiles, rough pasture, and beck-side ground before the main climb begins. This lower part can be deceptively tiring after rain, with soft ground and uneven footing around field edges and stream crossings. As height is gained, the views begin to widen over the Eden Valley, while behind you the village and enclosed farmland shrink rapidly into the landscape. (discoveringbritain.org)

Climbing onto the fell

The ascent toward Knock Hush and the higher ridge is the heart of the walk. Expect the steepest effort here, with the route pulling up onto open moor where shelter disappears and the weather becomes a much bigger factor. Even on a fair day, the tops can feel markedly colder and windier than the valley below. Published guidance for this fell country specifically warns that cloud can descend quickly and visibility can reduce fast, so solid hill preparation matters. If carrying digital navigation, use HiiKER alongside map-based planning and do not rely on a single source of guidance in poor visibility. (discoveringbritain.org)

One of the most distinctive landmarks is Knock Hush, an artificial gully that looks natural at first glance. It is a relic of “hushing,” a mining technique used widely across the North Pennines from the 16th century onward, where large volumes of water were released downslope to strip away soil and vegetation and expose mineral veins beneath. This is one of the features that gives the walk much of its character: the landscape is not only scenic but heavily shaped by centuries of lead-mining and mineral extraction. In this part of the Pennines, old hushes, quarry scars, spoil, and mining lines are part of the story of the hills. (outdooractive.com)

From Knock Hush, the route continues upward toward