Tough Challenge

The Pennine Way is the oldest National Trail in the UK, following the backbone of England for 268 miles from Edale in the Peak District of Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm, nestling below the Cheviot hills over the Scottish border. It's not just a footpath, it's an institution.

It was finally set up in 1965 after first being mooted by Tom Stephenson in 1935. He and others faced strong and lengthy opposition from landowners, particularly those defending their grouse shooting rights.

The trail starts with an ascent of Kinder Scout, scene of the Mass Trespass of 1932, an act of civil disobedience aiming to vouchsafe public access to moorland and mountains in the UK. It continues along the wet and windy spine of England, navigating around the reservoirs that supply water to the conurbations on either side of the hills. It follows ancient packhorse trails and rocky tracks, towpaths and riverside routes past many waterfalls, over moors, bogs and hilltops, presenting the toughest challenge of the 16 trails in England and Wales.

Accept the challenge and your reward will be stupendous views, cameraderie along the way and a great sense of achievement - if you make it to the end! Oh, and also half a pint of ale at the Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm, assuming you walk south to north.