Pennine Way South (9 Days & 8 Nights)
- Walk the Pennine Way South through The Peak District and into Yorkshire.
- Crossing the peaty wilderness of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow Head.
- Traversing the remote and windswept moors of Brontë country.
- Wonderful and warm “northern” welcome from your accommodations.
- Malham Cove, a huge curving amphitheatre shaped cliff formation.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Edale and overnightThe pretty Peak District village of Edale makes an excellent starting point to your walk and is easily reached by public transport.
Ollerbrook Barn dates from 1798 and has been lovingly converted into a comfortable family run guesthouse. All rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities that you require. All rooms feature drinks making facilities and televisions with free-to-view satellite channels.
A warm welcome awaits you at Western House, which is a traditional 1850s gritstone house standing at the start of the Pennine Way in Edale. It is a self-contained, spacious loft-conversion with original beams and exposed Queen Truss beam. The accommodation has private lounge, roll top bath with shower mixer, original Victorian iron and brass bed, stripped pine floor and unbeatable views towards Kinder Scout.
This charming country inn, although grand in stature, delivers a warm and homely environment, the perfect place to spend an evening in comfort after a day of rambling walks and picturesque peaks. Carrying real ales, traditional ciders and a large variety of whiskeys and spirits, the bar has something for everyone. Hot and cold food is served daily in all of the four dining areas, with a large variety of meals available as well as the Chef’s Daily Specials. Every room has its own en suite bathroom with shower, tea and coffee making facilities, and a television with DVD player.
As well as tackling the peaty wilderness of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow Head, you will also do a fair bit of climbing with the second biggest ascent of the way. However the views are well-worth the effort. At the end of today you will be transferred to nearby Glossop for your overnight accomodation which is approx 10 minutes transfer.
Ascent/Descent: +603m/-643m
Windy Harbour Farm Hotel is a family owned business offering a warm welcome, home cooked food and a well-stocked bar often serving speciality cask ales. The rooms, all en-suite, are each individually furnished. They serve evening meals and lunches in the restaurant and afternoon teas in restaurant or in the garden during the spring and summer.
The Queens Arms is located in the village of Old Glossop and was built to serve as a beer house in 1825. The Queens Arms offers a warm Derbyshire welcome, comfortable rooms and a wide selection of real ales and good quality, traditional pub food.
The Bulls Head, which happens to be the oldest pub in Glossop, has built a reputation for its charm, character and friendliness. Nestling on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Visitors will enjoy peace, quiet, relaxation and the freshest of country air. Built in the early Victorian era, the pub has retained its original oak beams open log fires and traditional furnishings. Check in is from 3pm
Be prepared to cover most of this section's ascent within the first few miles up to Laddow Rocks. Much of the way will be open moorland tracks, though you'll balance the wild wide open with more manicured landscape as you follow access roads along several resevoirs before reaching Standedge. Your accommodation for this evening will be in nearby Diggle, approx 1.5m south west of the path.
Ascent/descent: +647m/-482m
The Sunfield Accommodation offers comfortable en-suite accommodation in a rural setting. The owners will provide you with a very warm welcome at this friendly property. The en-suite bedrooms are all on ground level with easy access in and out of the premises. The rooms have a hospitality tray and a TV with Freeview channels. All guests have access to free Wi-Fi. There are also superb views!
The Diggle Hotel offers comfortable en-suite accommodation in a rural setting. The owners will provide you with a very warm welcome at this friendly family run property.
The Old Bell Inn is situated in the beautiful Saddleworth village of Delph. They are an 18 bedroomed, four star AA and Visit England accredited Inn. They have a Brasserie and a restaurant, and their local, well known and respected head chef brings an extra touch of creativity to his menus. They provide fine food, quality beers, wines and spirits and an excellent standard of accommodation. Their beautifully designed bedrooms are en-suite and furnished to the highest standards, each individually styled in keeping with the elegance and period of The Old Bell Inn.
Though slightly less remote - particularly early on - this stage does a good job of keeping you high up on moorland to avoid the more urban areas. You will still enjoy expansive views of the surrounding countryside but will probably find the route to be a little busier in this area.
What you loose in remoteness is made up for by some easier terrain. You can enjoy a long stretch passing reservoirs on good tracks today after negotiating Blackstone Edge before you reach Stoodley Pike and a steady downhill towards the town of Hebden Bridge, approx 2.5km along the Rochdale Canal from the Pennine Way.
Ascent/descent: +219m/-482m
Thorncliffe is a lovely, light and spacious Victorian house with wonderful views overlooking the town. They are located in the quiet Birchcliffe area of Hebden Bridge, just a few minutes walk uphill from the centre of town. They offer a plentiful vegetarian, continental style breakfast in your room. They perfectly placed for everything that vibrant Hebden Bridge has to offer - independent shops & cafes, a thriving art scene - as well as the beautiful Pennine Way.
The White Lion hotel is a traditional coaching Inn with exposed timber and masonry and always has a warm and friendly atmosphere. Set on the riverside location in central Hebden Bridge, the Inn has always been well known for fine yet informal pub dining with an extensive choice of wines and ales. They have 10 spacious rooms which have all been recently refurbished and have all the amenities you will need.
The Smithery B&B is situated in the heart of Hebden Bridge, an historic market town in the foothills of the Pennines. The property is a characterful grade II listed weavers’ cottage overlooking the picturesque Rochdale Canal and Calder Holmes Park. It has stunning original features including two inglenook fireplaces with wood burning stoves and each room has tea & coffee making facilities, towels, dressing gowns, hair dryer, and free WiFi. For your peace and comfort not all rooms have a TV.
Your most challenging part of the walk begins only a couple of miles in. The diversity of the path will keep you on your toes, but the open scenery rewards. Cross Heptonstall Moor to Graining Water, then continue past several resevoirs and into Ponden. This is Brontë country, and the sisters lived nearby in Haworth.
Ascent/descent: +515m/-395m
Ponden Mill is a Georgian Cotton Mill set in stunning countryside just outside Haworth. Ponden Mill has two splendid Bed and Breakfast rooms which are both are en suite and have been recently refurbished to fit in with the original style and character of the mill. Both have amazing views over the river and farmland and are within easy walk of all the local attractions.
There has long been a tradition that Ponden Hall is identifiable with Thrushcross Grange in Wuthering Heights, although none of the sisters left evidence of making such a link themselves. In part this is due to its situation, on the way up to the moors; in part to the fact there were so few larger houses in this area. The guest house has three lovely traditional rooms that are all individually furnished and offer something different, but all rooms have the amenities and en-suite facilities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
This country inn is located in the heart of the beautiful bronte countryside. This is a relaxed 3 star accommodation which will allow you a good night’s sleep. They offer locally sourced English food, home cooked to order in the charming 400 year old inn. The Inn itself has authentic oak beams and log fires and beer gardens for those summer nights.
A short continuation from Ponden, you'll reach another long climb as you make your way across Ickornshaw Moor. From Ickornshaw, cross Elslack Moor and enjoy views from the top of Pinhaw Beacon before continuing on to a more relaxing and low-level walk over fields and into Gargrave, the gateway to the Dales.
Ascent/descent: +591m/-715m
Situated in the heart of Gargrave, with its oak-beamed ceilings, open fire, traditional cask ales and homemade food, The Masons Arms is just the place to relax and unwind. They have 6 guest rooms all with their own private entrances in a converted barn next to the pub.
The Old Swan is locatedless than four miles from Skipton city centre. It is surrounded by stunning scenery and has recently undergone a major refurbishment. There are five en suite rooms available which all include tea and coffee making facilities, desk and chair, hairdryer and a TV.
The Tempest Arms dates back to the 17th century and has long been known as the meeting place. You will be welcomed into a convivial atmosphere by the lovely, friendly staff. The rooms are stylish and individual and all offer great comfort, some have large baths or wet rooms, some with a hot tub, or private terraces or balcony overlooking the babbling beck.
Heading out of Gargrave, cross Eshton Moor and then cross the River Aire, which you will follow for the remainder of your walk into Malham.
Ascent/descent: +186m/-100m
Beck Hall was built in 1710 and has been providing hotel and B&B accommodation since the 1930's. Beck Hall offers a warm welcome to walkers. They have a spacious guest lounge, on a colder winter night don't be surprised to be co-opted to maintain the log fire that occupies one end of the lounge. All of the rooms at Beck Hall are rather different and distinct. All rooms have TV, tea and coffee making facilities, central heating and heated towel rails.
Your host’s Ann & Alex Roe, welcome you to River House, a Four Star Bed and Breakfast in Malham, a Victorian Country house, with parts originally parts built in 1664. All bedrooms at River House are en-suite with complimentary toiletries, digital flat screen tvs, hair dryers, heated towel rail and a plentiful supply of Yorkshire Tea & Coffee. The Dining Room is where Quality Dales breakfasts are served to you. They have an AA Egg Cup for an excellent breakfast, only a select few in North Yorkshire have been awarded an Egg Cup.
Small and cosy family run inn, with 4 en-suite rooms and a cost bar serving Traditional pub food and Real Ales. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay.
A fantastic day’s walking takes you into Three Peaks Country to Malham Cove, and Fountains Fell.
Take an end of day climb up Pen-y-Ghent. All these days provide a challenge but you are rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding dales.
Ascent/descent: +794m/-753m
You are assured a very warm welcome at the Broad Croft House. This beautiful barn conversion is ideally situated for walker and all rooms have en-suite shower rooms and lovely views. The proprietors use quality cotton bed linen and towels and provide luxury toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities in your room to make your stay more comfortable. There is also a drying room on site.
Edd and Jan will provide you with the warmest of welcomes at their 19th Century Farmhouse B&B. The property has been recently refurbished and tastefully restored to a very high standard. All rooms come complete with comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton bedding, non-allergenic top-quality duvets, flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities (with fresh milk), fresh bottled water from their spring, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, USB charger sockets, and Cole & Lewis toiletries.
Built in 1841, this Grade II listed building has retained many period features, with converted and tastefully furnished interiors creating the warm and friendly atmosphere. It offers an ample car park free of charge and also free WiFi. Their bar menu is hearty & wholesome featuring everything from soup and sandwiches to traditional platters with fabulous regional produce. And pub classics like fish and chips and satisfying pies and casseroles for those looking for something a little more substantial.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This rewarding, yet challenging walk can be achieved in 8 or 9 days. With stunning vistas throughout, the strains and stresses of everyday life will slip away, as you walk amidst this wild and wonderful terrain. The accommodations offer a warm welcome and each evening cosy pubs will greet you.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
This holiday is graded moderate to strenuous and is suitable for those walkers with previous long distance experience and an excellent level of physical fitness. The route is a mixture of paths through open moorlands and on fields and tracks. Trails may have rocky sections and some of the paths are indistinct and can become very muddy and boggy in wet weather, when progress can often be slow.
You will experience a variety of accommodations, from small B&B's and guesthouses to country inns and hotels. They all offer warm welcomes and traditional hospitality. We may also use the occasional nice youth hostel in Edale, Dufton, and Langdon Beck, however, the rooms we book for you will always be private.
On the Pennine Way, accommodation choices are limited along the trail, so if we cannot secure a reservation for you in towns and villages that are actually on the trail, we will book you into accommodations close by and then provide transfers. On the Pennine Way Complete, in busy times, this may mean up to 6 or 7 transfers on the longer itineraries and up to 2 or 3 on the shorter ones. Your destination specialist will talk you through options should this be the case.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you, although there is a single room supplement payable.
We welcome solo walkers on the Pennine Way, but please note that the price is substantially higher due to solo supplements in accommodations and primarily via baggage handlers carrying one bag. In terms of walking, you should of course, take extra care in the outdoors when walking solo and you must have the ability to read a map and compass.
The route is waymarked but in some places, the signs become less obvious, and the trail is not always easy to find. At least one of your party should be able to navigate with map and compass. We provide a Pennine Way guidebook and Harvey maps to assist you.
- Overnights in B&B’s, guesthouses & country inns
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- Detailed Information Pack, guidebook and maps
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
- Travel to Edale
- Travel from Horton-in-Ribblesdale
- Lunches & Dinners
- Snacks & drinks
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk.
You can start your Pennine Way walk anytime between April and September and on any date, depending on availability. In Edale (at the beginning of your itinerary) there is limited accommodation, and also they also do not allow one night stays over the weekend. Therefore it is better to avoid starting this tour on a Friday or Saturday. However, if that cannot be helped, then we may use an accommodation just outside Edale and arrange a short transfer into town to begin your walk on Day 2.
The closest airport to the start of the walk is Manchester. You can take a train from Manchester Airport (via Manchester Piccadilly) to Edale and the journey takes approx. 1.5H. You can also fly into any of the London Airports. Making your way to Euston Station you can then take a train to Manchester Piccadilly with a connection to Edale. The journey takes approx. 3.5H. Please find more information concerning schedules on the Traveline or Trainline websites.
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 your car at home and taking public transport to the start of your walk.
The closest airport to Horton-in-Ribblesdale is Leeds-Bradford. Catch a train from Horton to Leeds Centre and from here take a local bus or taxi to the airport (an approx 2H journey). You can also take a train to Manchester Airport and to any of the London Airports, although this will be via other stations, such as Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly. As Horton-in-Ribblesdale is on a train line it is possible to get anyway in the UK, however you need to check the timetables and schedules for the most efficient journey. Two good informational websites which will help you achieve this are the Traveline and the Trainline.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person up to 17kg. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Due to baggage transfer restrictions, we can only offer this walk from South to North (Edale to Kirk Yetholm).
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a daypack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
You can use local bus services or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
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.
On the Pennine Way accommodation choices are limited along the trail, so if we cannot secure a reservation for you in towns and villages that are actually on the trail, we will book you into accommodations close by and then provide transfers. On the Pennine Way Complete, in busy times, this may mean up to 6 or 7 transfers on the longer itineraries and up to 2 or 3 on the shorter ones. Your destination specialist will talk you through options should this be the case.
Yes, some navigation skills are necessary as the route is not way-marked. You follow route notes and a map that are provided.
You will need very good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
The Pennine Way is very enjoyable at any time between the end of March and end of September although our personal favourite time of year is the spring and Autumn.
This holiday is graded depending on which itinerary you choose. The longer itineraries are moderate to strenuous and the shorter ones are strenuous. These itineraries are most suitable for those walkers with previous long distance experience and an excellent level of physical fitness.