I organised a group of Cardiff Ramblers to walk A Pennine Journey over two years. We were 12 last year in 2018 walking 6 -14 June from Settle to Housesteads in perfect weather. The flowers in the meadows were particularly delightful. We were 13 this year (one original had to drop out due to a knee op, and two new people joined) from 26 May to 4 June picking up the route from Housesteads back to Settle in less than perfect weather. It rained, but it could have been worse and we mainly had great views.

So 11 completed the whole trip. In 2018 we stayed three nights in Hawes, Bowes, and Middleton on Tees and two nights in Hexham, using a variety of minibuses to support us. Particular mention should go to UTASS (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) who did the bulk of it. We carried all our own gear (we are in our 60’s and 70’s) but had pack light days when returning to the same accommodation. In 2019 we stayed two nights in Haltwhistle, Alston, Penrith, and Ravenstonedale and three nights in Hawes again carrying our gear and using minibus services.

A Pennine Journey was the eighteenth long distance walk I’ve organised for the group, and it’s certainly up there with the best of them. I can thoroughly recommend it. I’ve also walked The Pennine Way and The Coast to Coast and it was nice to revisit some of those paths where they cross.

My thanks go to all the many organisers who have worked so hard to put the route together, and put it together in the style of AW. You can be assured that it is being walked and enjoyed!