Originally this stage was the Pennine Way in its entirety but the establishment of the South Tyne Trail prompted a re-think and a more varied stage has resulted. A mile from Greenhead the Pennine Way is met and followed across terrain that can be wet and, at times, very wet for 5 miles.

Then the route moves across to the magnificent Lambley Viaduct across the River South Tyne for a dry 4 mile section along the disused trackbed of the former Alston to Haltwhistle railway line on the South Tyne Trail. At Slaggyford the Pennine Way is rejoined and after going underneath another viaduct at Lintley passes Kirkhaugh station, the terminus of the South Tynedale Railway. The path rounds the embankments of the Roman fort of Whitley Castle and crosses Gilderdale Burn on its way into Alston.