From Edale’s moorland valley all the way to the wildness of Scotland — England’s first National Trail unfolds across 268 miles of rugged beauty.
The Pennine Way is England’s most iconic long-distance footpath, stretching approximately 268 miles (431 km) from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm just across the border in Scotland. Launched in 1965, this trail traverses the spine of England—crossing Derbyshire's Dark Peak, the Yorkshire Dales, the Northumberland National Park, and the Cheviot Hills—offering diverse landscapes, ancient routes, and a true sense of journey.
This is walking at its purest. Over moorland, limestone dale, peat bog, and craggied hill, you'll step through centuries-old paths, nature reserves, and remote settlements. Each section offers a different pace: from fell ridges high above Edale to riverside villages in the Dales, to coastal heath and wild remote peaks in the North.
Derbyshire (Dark Peak): Begin the ascent from Edale via Jacob’s Ladder, cross Kinder Scout, and descend through gritstone moors toward Standedge.
Yorkshire Dales: Enter Whernside, Ingleborough, Great Shunner Fell, and valleys dotted with limestone villages like Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
North Yorkshire / Northumberland: Climb onto wild heather moor above Kielder and proceed to remote Cheviot peaks.
Scottish Borders: Cone at the ridge near Windy Gyle before heading to the official endpoint in Kirk Yetholm—the gateway to Scotland’s own walking routes.
You’ll find a welcoming mix of rugged bunkhouses, village pubs, and shepherds' bothies—especially in Edale, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Keld, and Kirk Yetholm. Many are geared toward long-distance hikers and provide luggage-drop or bespoke packages.
Walkers can choose manageable sections (like Derbyshire & Dales) or tackle the full trail with guided notes, accommodation, and baggage transfers through trusted tour providers.
