Arrive Starting Point: Edale

The pretty Peak District village of Edale makes an excellent starting point to your walk and is easily reached by public transport. Both Manchester and Sheffield are only 30-45 minutes away by train which is the easiest way to reach the start of the walk.

Edale to Standedge - 27 miles

After exploring the village of Edale and preparing yourself for the challenge ahead, the first couple of days of walking are a pretty tough start .As well as tackling the peaty wilderness of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow Head, you will also do a fair bit of climbing, ascending the second biggest ascent of the way at 900m.

Standedge to Thornton-in-Craven - 36 miles

The next few days of walking are much flatter than the previous ones. Walking through open heather moorlands, passing several reservoirs and cutting through the busy Calder Valley with a worthwhile stop in the town of Hebden Bridge, you will eventually come to Thornton-in-Craven.

Thornton-in-Craven to Malham - 10 miles

On this next section you will say goodbye to the moors for a while and enter the rolling Yorkshire Dales. The walking is easy through green fields, limestone Dales and along the riverside. The small town of Gargrave which is known as the Gateway to the Dales makes a nice stop for lunch.

Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale - 15 miles

A fantastic days walking which will take you into Three Peaks Country. Malham Cove, Fountains Fell and towards the end of the day a climb up Pen-y-Ghent all provide a challenge but reward with fantastic views of the surrounding Dales.

Horton-in-Ribbleside to Keld - 27 miles

Head north through the Yorkshire Dales in the first day of this section before following Cam High Road high above the moors before the warm Yorkshire town of Hawes welcomes you. From Hawes to Keld the following day you must first overcome the longest continual ascent on the Way - Great Shunner Fell—before arriving in the picture postcard scenery of Swaledale and the small town of Keld.

Keld to Dufton - 41 miles

After a stop for lunch at the infamous Tan Hill Inn (England’s highest pub), you head off across Sleightholme Moor before coming to the small town of Bowes and it’s old ruined castle and the half way point of the walk at Baldersdale. The next section to Dufton includes some of the highlights of the Pennine Way including the breathtaking High Force waterfall and the dramatic scenery of High Cup Nick.

Dufton to Greenhead - 37 miles

This next section starts off with a bang, as you undertake the challenge of reaching the highest point of the Pennine Way at Cross Fell, and in total achieving over 1100m of ascent between Dufton and Alston. The pretty villages of Garrigill and Slaggyford provide nice overnight stops and help to break up this long section before arriving in Hadrian’s Wall country.

Greenhead to Bellingham - 18 miles

Get ready for one of the most interesting parts of the Pennine Way on this section from Greenhead to Once Brewed where the Pennine Way meets Hadrian’s Wall. You will discover Roman Forts and milecastles galore - for this reason Once Brewed makes an ideal stop to give you more time to take in the historical sights. The next day from Once Brewed to Bellingham offers some tranquil forest walking and quiet paths through rolling farmland.

Bellingham to Byrness - 15 miles

This is an enjoyable and easy section through heather-clad moors and alongside Redesdale Forest before reaching the foot of the Cheviots and Byrness.

Byrness to Kirk Yetholm - 27 miles

The Pennine Way throws it’s final challenge at you in this gruelling 27 miles over the Cheviot Hills to your final destination of Kirk Yetholm. Although Uswayford Farm is 1.5 miles off the path, it is definitely worth the slight detour for an overnight stop to give you your last gasp of energy to complete your walk and finish the mighty challenge that is the Pennine Way!

Departing Kirk Yetholm

Berwick-upon-Tweed is the closest train station to Kirk Yetholm (approx 2 hrs by bus) and is on the east coast mainline between London, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Navigation

The Pennine Way is way marked but in some places this can be quite sporadic so we recommend that at least one of your party should be able to navigate with map and compass.

Grade

The route is on a mixture of paths through open moorlands and fields, tracks and some rocky sections. Some of the paths are indistinct and can become very muddy and boggy where progress can often be slow.

Accommodation

You will stay in carefully selected 3 or 4 star B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels. Most of your rooms will have an ensuite or private bathroom but due to the nature of this walk some may have shared bathroom facilities. A delicious breakfast is always included.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.

Solo Walkers

This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs their is a solo walker supplement payable.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most of your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs or restaurants.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 17kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

Useful Websites

The Pennine Way - Official National Trail website

Walking Places - walking forum

 

 

 

Bed & Breakfast

Visit the website

Butt house - Keld

A typical stonebuilt farm where a warm welcome awaits the weary taveller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bed & Breakfast

Visit the website

Fairview - Hawes

Fair View Guest House is a bed and breakfast establishment situated in the popular market town of Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, made famous by James Herriot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bed & Breakfast

Visit the website

HolmeHouse - Hebden Bridge

Holme House is set in the heart of Hebden Bridge - a unique, lovely and unspoilt market town

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bed & Breakfast

Visit the website

The Farmhouse - Kirk Yetholm

The Farmhouse provides B & B and self catering accommodation for short stays, long breaks or walking St Cuthbert's Way

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bed & Breakfast

Visit the website

The Willows - Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Superior boutique bed and breakfast, with three large rooms with private bathrooms, that have been redecorated and refurbished

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bed & Breakfast

Visit the website

Vallum Lodge - Once Brewed

Situated within an acre of grounds in the Northumberland National Park, by Hadrians Wall and the Pennine Way,Vallum Lodge is a family run guest house offering excellent en suite accommodation and personal service

 

 

 

The easiest way to get to or from the Pennine Way is by public transport as this minimises transfer times and generally works out less expensive. 

Getting to Edale

By Air - The closest airports to the start of the walk are Manchester and Sheffield. From both Manchester and Sheffield city centre it takes approx 30-45 minutes to get to Edale.

By Rail - From the South you can catch a train from London to Edale via Sheffield (approx 3 hours.) From the North you can catch a train from Edinburgh to Edale via Manchester (approx 4hrs 45m).

By Car  - There is very limited parking in Edale and it is also very difficult to get back to Edale from Kirk Yetholm, so we recommend leaving the car at home and taking public transport to the start of your walk.

Getting to/from Malham

By Rail - The closest main train station to Malham is Skipton which is approx 11 miles away. Trains to Skipton go via Leeds and take approx 3h from London or 2h from Manchester.

By Bus - Regular buses run from Skipton to Malham via Gargrave.

Getting to/from Alston

By Rail - The closest train station to Alston is Haltwhistle. From here you can connect to Carlisle (approx 45m) and there are excellent onwards travel links from here.

Getting back from Kirk Yetholm

By Rail - The closest train station to Kirk Yetholm is Berwick-upon-Tweed (approx 2 hours by bus.) Berwick-upon-Tweed is on the main East Coast rail line and is well connected to most major cities in the UK.

We are often asked the following questions by walkers planning The Pennine Way and I hope that you will find the following information useful.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

How fit do I need to be?

We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance and length of walk, so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

How far in advance do I need to book?

As far in advance as possible! We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as it is an extremely popular walk and the accommodation gets booked up quickly. If booking at short notice we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.

When is the best time of year?

The Pennine Way is very enjoyable at any time between the end of March and end of September although my personal favourite time of year is the spring and Autumn.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.

Additional Nights

We recommend adding in at least one rest day to your itinerary. Horton-in-Ribbleside is a great place to add an extra night if you are starting your walk from there as this will let you climb Pen-y-Ghent. Malham is a good place to add an extra night if you are doing the full walk from Edale as it has plenty of facilities. Or the warm Yorkshire town of Hawes would also be a good refuelling point with it's vibrant pubs and cafes. Once Brewed is also a great place to add an extra night as there are so many sites of historical interest to see in this area.

Tailor Made Holidays

We are always more than happy to tailor our itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange your tailor made walking holiday.

You can start your Pennine Way walking holiday on any date from April to September subject to availability. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.

Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every Pennine Way walking holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 10 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded. 

May is extremely busy and the majority of accommodations are now full. 

There is no accommodation available in the Haworth / Ponden area from the 17th May - 20th May as it is the 1940's festival weekend.