Pennine Way National Trail

About

Trail Overview

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Start: Edale, Derbyshire
End: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders
Length: 268 miles (431 km)

A 270-mile walk that will take you from Edale in the Peak District National Park along the Pennine ridge through the Yorkshire Dales, up into Northumberland, across the Cheviots, setting you down in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. It passes through the Cumbrian villages of Dufton, Garrigill and Alston.

Following the ‘backbone of England’, starting from the hills of the Derbyshire Peak District, through the Yorkshire Dales, and embracing the stunning Swaledale Valley, the trail continues over the North Pennines, crosses Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and ends in the Scottish Borders in Kirk Yetholm.

The Pennine Way opened on April 24, 1965 and was the first National Trail in England, bringing access to some of the country’s wildest landscapes.

With a combined ascent surpassing the height of Mount Everest, the Pennine Way offers a unique challenge. The terrain varies, from smooth and firm paths to narrow, uneven, or wet and boggy sections.

The best times of year to walk the trail are from mid-May to September when the weather is best, but the trail can be enjoyed year-round. Winter months may bring snow to the northern sections so please always be prepared.

To get the most from the Pennine Way, consider scheduling rest days in places like Hebden Bridge, Skipton, Hawes, Appleby, or the Hadrian’s Wall area. These breaks allow for exploration and appreciation of the surroundings.

Highlights of the trail include

Kinder Scout: At the start in Edale, ascend Kinder Scout, the site of the 1932 Mass Trespass, a pivotal moment in the fight for public access to private land.

Spectacular Landmarks: Pass through three National Parks, witness breathtaking landmarks such as Stoodley Pike, Top Withins, Malham Cove, Pen-y-ghent, Tan Hill, High Force, Cauldron Snout, High Cup Nick, Cross Fell, Hadrian’s Wall, and The Cheviot.

Rich Wildlife: The Pennine Way one of Europe’s best places for birdwatching, especially breeding waders in spring and early summer.

Walk the Pennine Way and become a part of England’s hillwalking history. Detailed route descriptions and additional information can be found on the National Trails website.