Pennine Way (Middleton in Teesdale to Kirk Yetholm)
The place
British long-distance hiking trail
Why go
Kinder Scout (highest point in the Peak District, site of the 1932 mass trespass). Malham Cove (a limestone amphitheatre). Pen-y-ghent (one of the Three Peaks). High Cup Nick (dramatic natural hollow). Cross Fell (893 m, highest in the Pennines). Hadrian's Wall (UNESCO). Cheviot summit in border country.
A bit of history
The Pennine Way was the vision of journalist and ramblers' rights campaigner Tom Stephenson, who proposed a 'long green trail' along the Pennines in 1935. After 30 years of campaigning, it was officially opened by Barbara Castle on 24 April 1965, becoming the first of Britain's long-distance National Trails.
Getting there
Edale: train from Manchester Piccadilly (45 min) or Sheffield (30 min). Kirk Yetholm: bus from Kelso. No direct trains — taxi or pre-arranged transport needed for the finish.
Recommended gear
Waterproof hiking boots. Gaiters (essential for the peat bogs). Waterproof jacket and trousers. Compass and OS 1:25 000 maps. Headtorch. Emergency bivouac bag. Trekking poles strongly recommended.
Best season
April to October. May–June and September best for weather and visibility. July–August busy. Avoid November–March (severe weather, minimal daylight).