Pennine Way
England's oldest and toughest National Trail, running the length of the Pennine hills from Derbyshire to the Scottish border through moorland, limestone…
Route overview
South-to-north ridge walk along England's Pennine spine, crossing moorland, limestone country, and the Cheviots to the Scottish border.
The Pennine Way was opened in 1965 as Britain's first National Trail and covers 430 kilometres from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm, just over the Scottish border in the Scottish Borders. The route was championed for decades by journalist and campaigner Tom Stephenson and is widely regarded as the most demanding of England's long-distance National Trails. The trail crosses several distinct landscapes: the gritstone and peat moorland of the Peak District and South Pennines, the limestone dales of Yorkshire, the open uplands of the North Pennines, and the high plateau of the Cheviots near the Scottish border. Weather is famously changeable and the southern sections involve navigation across open boggy moorland where paths can be indistinct. The route passes through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Northumberland National Park, and several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Key landmarks include Malham Cove — a dramatic limestone amphitheatre — and High Cup Nick, a U-shaped glacial valley with spectacular views.…
England's oldest and toughest National Trail, running the length of the Pennine hills from Derbyshire to the Scottish border through moorland, limestone country, and remote uplands.
Trail facts
- Country
- England
- Region
- Northern England
- Distance
- 430 km
- Typical duration
- 16–21 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- 11,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- May–September
- Trail type
- Point-to-point
Access and logistics
- Bookings
- Accommodation books up quickly in peak summer months, especially in the Yorkshire Dales. Book bed-and-breakfasts and bunkhouses well in advance for a summer crossing.
Safety context
Navigation skills are essential across the boggy southern moorlands and the Cheviots in cloud. The trail can be extremely muddy following rain. Carry adequate waterproofs at all times.
The first day crossing Kinder Scout can be navigationally difficult in poor visibility. The peat bogs of Bleaklow and Black Hill are notoriously hard underfoot. The route is demanding even for experienced walkers.
Highlights
Kinder Scout and the Dark Peak Malham Cove and Gordale Scar High Cup Nick Cross Fell summit (893 m) Hadrian's Wall section Cheviot Hills and Kirk Yetholm finish
Why find a buddy
The Pennine Way's remote moorland sections, notorious for poor visibility and boggy terrain, are significantly safer and more enjoyable with a partner for navigation and morale.
Primary source
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.