Photo: Tom Corser (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Walking the Pennine Way
The Pennine Way is the original National Trail and still the measuring stick: 268 miles up the spine of England from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, just over the Scottish border. It's a proper undertaking — most give it two and a half to three weeks, or pick off its famous sections one holiday at a time.
The stages below are the storied stops. Beds are scarce in the high sections, so book ahead — and give your knees a rest day in Hawes or Alston.
The route
Pennine Way
🥾 Before you set out
Trail conditions, diversions and closures change — check the official trail site before you travel, carry a paper map for the remote sections, and book baggage transfer with your beds if you'd rather walk light.
Stage by stage
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1
Edale
The old start under Kinder Scout, where the mass trespass changed walking forever.
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2
Hebden Bridge
Mill-town culture stop below the Brontë moors.
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3
Malham
The Cove's great limestone wall — the Way's most photographed mile.
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4
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Three Peaks country, Pen-y-ghent overhead.
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5
Hawes
Wensleydale — cheese, ropemakers and Hardraw Force.
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6
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Teesdale's waterfalls: Low Force, High Force, Cauldron Snout.
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7
Dufton
High Cup Nick — the finest natural spectacle on the whole Way.
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8
Alston
England's highest market town.
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9
Bellingham
Last stop before the great emptiness of Kielder country.
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10
Kirk Yetholm
Over the Cheviots to the Border Hotel and a free half-pint for finishers.
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Community notes
Tips, conditions, and the things only someone who's been can tell you.
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Good to know
- How long does the Pennine Way take?
- Around 16–19 days (or classic sections) for the full 268 miles — the stages on this page break it into real walking days, and every one works as a section walk too.
- Should I book accommodation ahead?
- Yes — beds along the popular trails go months ahead for summer. Each stage lists places to stay nearby so you can book the whole walk before you lace up.
- Can I get my bags carried?
- Baggage-transfer services operate on all the major trails, moving your bag between overnight stops so you walk with a daysack. Book it alongside your beds.
- Do I book through this site?
- No — every listing links straight to the holiday operator and you book with them at their live price. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.