Explore England's iconic Pennine Way National Trail, a formidable 426km (265-mile) route along the spine of northern England from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, crossing three national parks (Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland) plus the North Pennines National Landscape. This challenging classic for fit, experienced walkers traces high exposed moorlands, rugged fells, historic villages, and dramatic landmarks such as Kinder Scout, Malham Cove, High Cup, Cross Fell, and Hadrian’s Wall.

This trusted Cicerone guidebook by expert author Paddy Dillon provides everything you need to walk the Pennine Way with confidence. The trail is described from south to north in 20 stages of 11–32?km (7–20?miles) and typically takes around three weeks to complete. A separate OS 1:25,000 map booklet shows the full route line, making navigation straightforward even across the exposed moorlands.

• Each stage has a detailed route description alongside OS mapping and elevation profiles, so you always know what's ahead on the ‘backbone of England’ 
• A comprehensive stage facilities planner gives vital information on accommodation (hostels, B&Bs, hotels and campsites) and other facilities along the route 
• Practical planning advice is included on when to go, what to take and how to tackle the particular challenges of the boggy, wild moorland characteristic of this trail
• Alongside the map booklet, downloadable GPX files provide a digital navigation option for smartphones and GPS devices
• Background on Pennine geology, scenery (Helm Wind, Brontë Country), wildlife, and plant life enriches your journey through Stoodley Pike and the Cheviot Hills

Walking one of Britain's original and toughest National Trails is a true test of endurance and resilience, taking you through England’s wild heartlands and upland beauty. With this Cicerone guidebook as your companion, you’ll have the detailed maps, stage planning tools, and expert guidance you need to tackle the Pennine Way. 

Author Highlight

“Since opening on 24 April 1965, the Pennine Way has remained a firm favourite. This is remarkable, as today’s walkers have many other National Trails to choose between, as well as infinite opportunities to walk challenging trails abroad. The Pennine Way remains the toughest of the National Trails; one that every long-distance walker should aspire to. Long may it enjoy a future as part of Britain’s rich outdoor heritage.”

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking the Pennine Way 

Map key

Route summary table

Overview map

Profile

Trek planner

Preface

Introduction

Wanted: A Long Green Trail

Planning your trip

Choosing an itinerary

When to walk

Travel to and from the Pennine Way

Travel along the Pennine Way

First and last nights

Accommodation

Food and drink

Baggage transfer

What to take

Money

Planning day to day

Using this guide

Additional mapping

Waymarking and access

Weather forecasts

Phones and Wi-Fi

Emergencies

All about the Pennines

Pennine geology

Pennine scenery

The Helm Wind

Wildlife

Plant life

The Pennine Way

Day 1 Edale to Torside

Day 2 Torside to Standedge

Day 3 Standedge to Callis Bridge or Hebden Bridge

Day 4 Callis Bridge or Hebden Bridge to Ickornshaw

Day 5 Ickornshaw to Gargrave

Day 6 Gargrave to Malham

Day 7 Malham to Horton in Ribblesdale

Day 8 Horton in Ribblesdale to Hawes

Day 9 Hawes to Keld

Day 10 Keld to Baldersdale or Bowes

Day 11 Baldersdale or Bowes to Middleton-in-Teesdale

Day 12 Middleton-in-Teesdale to Langdon Beck

Day 13 Langdon Beck to Dufton

Day 14 Dufton to Alston

Day 15 Alston to Greenhead

Day 16 Greenhead to Housesteads

Day 17 Housesteads to Bellingham

Day 18 Bellingham to Byrness

Day 19 Byrness to Clennell Street

Day 20 Clennell Street to Kirk Yetholm

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Accommodation 

Appendix C Further reading

Seasons

This National Trail is essentially a summer walk, though it can be completed in spring or autumn, the winter months are solely for dedicated and experienced long-distance walkers.

Centres

Edale, Crowden, Hebden Bridge, Cowling, Gargrave, Malham, Horton in Ribblesdale, Hawes, Keld, Bowes, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Dufton, Alston, Hadrian's Wall, Bellingham, Byrness, Kirk Yetholm

Difficulty

The Pennine Way is a challenging walk, often across high, exposed moorlands. No problems on fine, sunny days, but some parts can be exceptionally difficult in bad weather. In mist, careful navigation is required, but on the whole the route is well-signposted. Suitable for backpackers and youth hostellers, but ample B&B accommodation is also available. Previous long-distance walking experience is an advantage.

Must See

Peak District National Park - Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Black Hill; South Pennines - Stoodley Pike and Brontë Country; Yorkshire Dales National Park - Malham Cove, Pen-y-Ghent and Great Shunner Fell; North Pennines AONB - Teesdale, High Cup and Cross Fell; Northumberland National Park - Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviot Hills

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