From Gunnerside the route, for 5 miles, is by the delightful River Swale and after passing Ivelet Bridge crosses the river over Ramps Holme Bridge. Close to the path is Kisdon Force and, after meeting the Pennine Way, the journey crosses Keld Bridge. This is a memorable place for all AW admirers being the junction of the Pennine Way, the Coast to Coast Walk and now the Pennine Journey.

Soon the route enters the North Pennines AONB as it follows the Pennine Way for the rest of the stage, traversing lonely and damp moorland on its way to the Tan Hill Inn – at 1,732 feet above sea level the highest public house in England – which makes an excellent staging post. Bleaker and even damper terrain is encountered as the path crosses Sleightholme Moor. The path then becomes more rural as it drops down to the valley of the River Greta which is crossed on the final approach to Bowes as the castle ruins begin to dominate.