The Pennine Way is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the UK, and this year it celebrates its 60th anniversary. It stretches approximately 268 miles (431 km) from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. The route follows the rugged spine of the Pennines, often called the “Backbone of England,” and crosses some of the country’s most dramatic and remote landscapes, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines, and the Cheviot Hills. Highlights include Hadrian’s Wall, the Bronte Moors and Malham Cove.
The idea for the Pennine Way was first proposed in the 1930s by Tom Stephenson, a journalist and campaigner for walkers’ rights. Inspired by the long-distance trails in the United States, particularly the Appalachian Trail, he dreamt of a route that would allow people to experience the wild beauty of the Pennines. The concept gained support and, after years of planning and negotiations with landowners, the Pennine Way was officially opened on 24 April 1965.
It was the first official National Trail in the UK, marking a significant achievement in the campaign for public access to the countryside. It also paved the way for the establishment of other National Trails across Britain, inspiring generations of walkers and conservationists.
We walked the Pennine Way in the summer of 2017, and hiking in these parts of Derbyshire and Yorkshire sowed a little seed of an idea for our first UK tour which is happening this July.
The Pennine Way is an iconic trail in the UK and a demanding one, due to unpredictable weather, rough terrain and long stretches without shelter. Today, it remains a symbol of adventure, endurance, and the right to roam in the British countryside. If you are tempted by the idea of exploring this route, you can find out more here.