Wainwright’s Pennine Journey long-distance footpath traverses some of the most delightful terrain that northern England has to offer.

Starting at Settle, the first two days pass through limestone country which Alfred Wainwright described in his pictorial guide ‘Walks in Limestone Country’. After passing the immense Hull Pot the route arrives at Buckden in Wharfedale.

From the delights of Swaledale the route passes the highest public house in England, the Tan Hill Inn on Sleightholme Moor, before making its way into Bowes with its ruined castle. From Middleton-in-Teesdale a lovely walk along part of the River Tees is followed by crossing over into Weardale before reaching the medieval village of Blanchland. Soon, by way of Hexham with its magnificent Abbey, Hadrian’s Wall is reached – Alfred Wainwright’s 1938 objective. 

The route then follows Hadrian’s Wall along probably the best 20 miles of this World Heritage Site, with opportunities to delve into the history of the Roman occupation of Britain particularly at Housesteads. From the ruins of Thirlwall Castle, near Greenhead, the route heads south, initially along the River South Tyne to Alston before climbing over the shoulder of Cross Fell, the highest point in England outside of Alfred Wainwright’s beloved Lakeland Fells. The Eden valley is followed to its source before the route crosses over to the River Rawthey bordering on countryside described in Alfred Wainwright’s ‘Walks on the Howgill Fells’. Bypassing the book town of Sedbergh the route goes into Dentdale before arriving back in limestone country in Ingleton after the ascent of one of the Three Peaks – Whernside. The final day from Ingleton sees the ascent of another of the Three Peaks, Ingleborough, before the journey ends back in Settle.