The most mountainous section of the entire route, this stage contains four major hills within twenty miles. Climb steeply out of Langwathby to reach the Little Meg Stone Circle, continue on minor roads and then on to a stony track, join the A686, a tarmac road, and follow it to the first and the steepest hill, Hartside, which is also the watershed between the Irish and North seas. After Hartside, continue through the villages of Leadgate and Garrigill. From the centre of Garrigill continue along the south side of the River South Tyne, before crossing it by a ford. A steep uphill track will take you to Priorsdale, from where the route descends steeply through old lead mines to Nenthead. After Nenthead you reach Black Hill, the highest point on the C2C. The stage ends by descending into the valley of the River East Allen and the village of Allenheads.