The UK's oldest and most revered long-distance footpath, the Pennine Way, turns 60 this year — a milestone that honours not just a trail, but a landmark in the history of public access to Britain’s countryside.
Stretching 430km from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, the Pennine Way traverses the rugged spine of England. It offers walkers dramatic scenery and a true sense of wilderness.
Highlights include the moorlands of the Peak District, the limestone cliffs of Malham Cove, the remote beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, Roman ruins along Hadrian’s Wall, and the awe-inspiring High Cup Nick and Cheviot Hills.
However, it’s a route not to be underestimated. With long daily distances, steep ascents, boggy terrain — particularly across the Kinder Plateau and North Pennine moors — and often unpredictable weather, it presents real physical and mental challenges.
Navigation can be tricky in poor visibility, and careful planning is essential due to the limited facilities in remote stretches.
Despite the difficulty, the rewards are immense: striking landscapes, historical landmarks, and a deep sense of personal achievement. Accommodation ranges from hostels and inns to isolated bunkhouses, supporting a steady stream of determined walkers.
The trail also holds historic significance. In 1935, journalist Tom Stephenson first proposed a British equivalent to the Appalachian Trail. After decades of advocacy, the Pennine Way was formally opened in 1965 on Malham Moor.
It followed the landmark 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which laid the foundation for long-distance paths. The Pennine Way paved the way for 16 national trails in England and Wales, and stands as a powerful symbol of public access and the enduring appeal of Britain’s wild places.