The Pennine Way is the most popular route in England and one of the longest , at 430 kilometers in length. The trail, which was primarily devised by Tom Stephenson in the 1930s, generally follows a high route along the back of the Pennines from the Peak District to the Tyne Valley, after a short stretch following the Wall of Hadrian heads north to reach the Scottish Borders at Kirk Yetholm through the lonely and remote Cheviots Mountains.
The walk is structured along the Pennine mountain range – hence the name – also known as “the backbone of England”. The route to Pennine Way crosses three national parks on its way and the average walking time is 16 days . Like other great routes such as the Camino de Santiago, it can be done entirely or partially. In this article we show you the route of the southern part of the route, the most popular and busy.
The Pennine Way – South route in 8 days
When doing the Pennine Way route you have to bear in mind that you will not always be able to use the youth hostels that you will find along the way, so you will have to hire an AirBnB in advance or camp for a few nights. If you decide to camp, there are good campsites that offer showers, tents, cabins, and all the necessary services.
Day 1: Arrival in Edale
The first step on the Pennine Way is to reach the starting village, Peak District, in Edale. Edale can be reached by car or train from anywhere in England.
Day 2: From Edale to Torside (24 km)
Start the route by skirting Kinder Scout up Jacob’s Ladder, a treasure of the Peak District National Park full of original rock formations. Next, walk along the Devil’s Dam before descending from the hills to Torside and admiring its beautiful reservoir.
Day 3: From Torside to Standedge (19 km)
Follow the shore of the Torside Reservoir, then turn into the hills for a closer look at the Laddow Rocks – a popular running route in Fell. You will reach Black Hill – the highest point of the day – and a little further on you will find a trio of reservoirs. One last climb through windswept fields will bring you to Standedge.
Day 4: On foot to Calder Valley (23 km)
Day four of the Pennine Way trail takes us through easier terrain. Rather than slopes, you traverse heather clad moorland, passing a series of reservoirs before descending to your overnight stop : the charming town of Hebden Bridge.
Day 5: Calder Valley to Ponden / Stanbury (17.5 km)
The route returns to the hills and continues along green farm fields . End the day by venturing into the magical landscape that inspired the Brontë sisters .
Day 6: Ponden / Stanbury to Gargrave (25.5 km)
Today you will return to the moors, crossing hills and small settlements and meeting the Leeds – Liverpool canal , before reaching the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.
Day 7: Gargrave to Malham (10.5 km)
With a shorter day of walking ahead of you, you’ll have more time to explore the surroundings of Malham and its geological wonders in the Yorkshire Dales National Park , following the River Aire all the way to Malham.
When you arrive in Malham, you can hike to the impressive Gordale Scar, a massive gorge created during the last Ice Age, or visit Janet’s Foss, a waterfall nestled in a picturesque forest.
Day 8: Malham to Horton-in-Ribblesdale (23 km)
The last day on the Pennine Way route, you will pass the famous Malham Cove, a 70-meter white limestone cliff that is home to a pair of Peregrine Falcons. The limestone soils at the top are home to wildflowers, forming a unique habitat.
Continue through Malham Tarn Estate and the highest lake in England to Fountains Fell and one of the famous Three Peaks – Pen-y-ghent. A rewarding descent will take you to your destination.
