Central Pennine Way Route: 9 days
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Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
This adventure on the oldest, most iconic and emblematic British route will take you to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and along the Northern Pennines.
Through swamps, hills and immense valleys, you will travel through quiet regions of England, where you will discover incredible scenery such as the High Force and Cauldron Snout waterfalls or Cross Fell, listed as the highest and coldest place in England.
- Travel along one of Britain's longest and most difficult trails, according to "The Ramblers" magazine.
- Get to know the stunning U-shaped glacier valley known as High Cup Nick.
- Visit England's highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn.
- Explore the important regions of Wensleydale, Swaledale and Teesdale.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Horton-in-Ribblesdale
This small village in the Caven district is one of the favourite places for walkers, as there the Three Peaks Route begins and ends, in addition to forming a part of the Ribble Way and, of course, the Pennine Way.
On your first day you will get to know its two pubs, St. Oswald’s Church or the extensive fields and farms that surround the village.
On your first day you will get to know its two pubs, St. Oswald’s Church or the extensive fields and farms that surround the village.
Overnight in Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Middle Studfold Farm B&B
This 19th-century farmhouse was restored to provide travellers with comfortable, fully equipped rooms. It offers free Wi-Fi and packed lunches and dinners.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes 22,3 miles | 14 km
Today begins with the magnificent views of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, the three peaks on the horizon. Along the way, you'll find Sell Gill Holes or Dry Laithe Cave, places with limestone caves.
You'll arrive at Ling Gill, a national nature reserve in the Yorkshire Valleys, travel along its eastern end and continue through marshy fields to one of England's highest villages: Hawes, 850 metres above sea level.
You'll arrive at Ling Gill, a national nature reserve in the Yorkshire Valleys, travel along its eastern end and continue through marshy fields to one of England's highest villages: Hawes, 850 metres above sea level.
Overnight in Hawes
Cockett's Hotel
11 rooms and a renowned restaurant make up this hotel dating back to 1668. The rooms enjoy all the comforts, Wi-Fi and you can enjoy the incredible views of the Yorkshire Dales.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Hawes to Keld 12,7 miles | 20,3 km
Delve into the sprawling Wensleydale Valley, and the River Ure Valley on the east side of the Pennines, and then climb the highest mountain at this point and the third highest in the Yorkshire Dales: Great Shunner Fell.
The descent takes you to Swaledale, another valley in the region, and then to the village of Thwaite. Follow the tour through the hillside of the small Kidson Hill, from where you can see the River Swale and your next accommodation.
The descent takes you to Swaledale, another valley in the region, and then to the village of Thwaite. Follow the tour through the hillside of the small Kidson Hill, from where you can see the River Swale and your next accommodation.
Overnight in Keld
Keld Lodge
Located in the Gunnerside Estate Moors countryside, this hotel offers beautiful views of Upper Swaledale.
It offers 9 different types of rooms with all the comforts. Enjoy the specialties in its restaurant which is open to both guests and visitors.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers 9 different types of rooms with all the comforts. Enjoy the specialties in its restaurant which is open to both guests and visitors.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Keld to Middleton-in-Teesdale 33,5 miles | 20,9 km
Do you want to have a beer or have lunch at the highest pub in England? Well, this is your chance. Get to know Tan Hill Inn, which you access across Stonesdale Moor, a swampy valley and some streams.
From this point, the Northern Pennines begin, an Area of Exceptional Natural Beauty (AONB) and designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Advance across God's Bridge, cross the Lunedale Valley and reach the small market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
From this point, the Northern Pennines begin, an Area of Exceptional Natural Beauty (AONB) and designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Advance across God's Bridge, cross the Lunedale Valley and reach the small market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Overnight in Middleton-in-Teesdale
Brunswick House
This homely, Georgian-style property offers five ensuite rooms with double beds. Each comes with tea and coffee making facilities, a mini fridge, a TV and toiletries.
Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the house, Georgian fireplaces and cosy lounge.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the house, Georgian fireplaces and cosy lounge.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Middlenton-in-Teesdale to Langdon Beck 8,3 miles | 13,3 km
Start your day with a hike to the village of Teesdale, right on the River Tees, where two of the most impressive waterfalls on this route are found: Low Force and High Force, which are also part of the Area of Exceptional Natural Beauty (AONB).
The more adventurous can practice canoeing in Low Force or, why not, take a swim in the waters of High Force, which has a strong current, and a height of 21 metres. Continue to Langdon Beck, a small village in County Durham.
The more adventurous can practice canoeing in Low Force or, why not, take a swim in the waters of High Force, which has a strong current, and a height of 21 metres. Continue to Langdon Beck, a small village in County Durham.
Overnight in Langdon Beck
High Force Hotel
Packed with character, warmth and charm, High Force Hotel is an idyllic rural accommodation in picturesque Upper Teesdale. It consists of 10 individually-designed en-suite rooms that combine traditional country inn comfort with a contemporary touch, and their friendly team will help you with any issue.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Langdon Beck to Dufton 12,5 miles | 19,9 km
Hear the roar of England's longest waterfall, Cauldron Snout, 180 m long and located under the Cow Green Dam.
Along the riverside path and Falcon Clints viewpoint, you reach the U-shaped glacial valley, High Cup Nick, whose 'U' shape creates a deep chasm on the slope of the Pennines and makes it a mandatory stop on your route.
Continue downhill into the Eden Valley to the village of Dufton, from where we'll take you to your accommodation in Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Along the riverside path and Falcon Clints viewpoint, you reach the U-shaped glacial valley, High Cup Nick, whose 'U' shape creates a deep chasm on the slope of the Pennines and makes it a mandatory stop on your route.
Continue downhill into the Eden Valley to the village of Dufton, from where we'll take you to your accommodation in Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Overnight in Appleby-in-Westmorland
Bongate House
This country property offers seven rooms with private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. You can enjoy Wi-Fi and a complimentary full breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Appleby-in-Westmorland to Alston 19,7 miles | 31,5 km
Today is the most challenging day on the Pennine Way: you'll climb about 1,000 metres up to the highest point in England outside the Lake District. Walk up Dufton Pike and climb through the valley to the Threlkeld Side mining area.
Take the long ascent trail to the Knock Fell Hills and admire the views of the Great Dun Fell. Explore a section of moors and then continue through the famous Cross Fell mountain range, before descending to the village of Garrigill.
Follow the South Tyne River route to Alston, with picturesque cobblestoned streets, located in a conservation area.
Take the long ascent trail to the Knock Fell Hills and admire the views of the Great Dun Fell. Explore a section of moors and then continue through the famous Cross Fell mountain range, before descending to the village of Garrigill.
Follow the South Tyne River route to Alston, with picturesque cobblestoned streets, located in a conservation area.
Overnight in Alston
Alston House Hotel
Surrounded by an idyllic landscape of pristine moors, this family-friendly hotel is minutes from renowned walking trails. It offers luxurious ensuite rooms with a TV and free Wi-Fi.
Enjoy the AA Dinner award-winning restaurant with a fireplace, where chef and owner Mike Allchorne creates delicious seasonal dishes with fresh local produce.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy the AA Dinner award-winning restaurant with a fireplace, where chef and owner Mike Allchorne creates delicious seasonal dishes with fresh local produce.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Alston to Greenhead 16,9 miles | 27 km
Cross the flooded area in Hartley before climbing the wet summit of Blenkinsopp Common amid zigzag paths, fields, farms, walls and bridges. Follow Maiden Way over Hartleyburn Common and Glendue Fell and visit the archaeological deposits from its construction.
The trail takes you to Greenhead, to Hadrian's Wall, from the 2nd century, built by order of the Roman emperor Hadrian to defend the then territory of Britannia, maintain economic and peace, stability, and mark the border of the Roman Empire.
The trail takes you to Greenhead, to Hadrian's Wall, from the 2nd century, built by order of the Roman emperor Hadrian to defend the then territory of Britannia, maintain economic and peace, stability, and mark the border of the Roman Empire.
Overnight in Greenhead
Greenhead Hotel
This hotel will not leave you indifferent with its facade preserving the historical architectural legacy, and the warm welcome from the staff will complete the experience. The rooms are spacious and individually designed.
Without a doubt, you have to visit its pleasant bar to try the local beers and also enjoy the large open fireplace and two imposing stone fireplaces.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Without a doubt, you have to visit its pleasant bar to try the local beers and also enjoy the large open fireplace and two imposing stone fireplaces.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Greenhead
This holiday adventure has come to an end! If you want to continue exploring the Pennine Way, we have longer routes with more days through this beautiful natural landscape.
If you wish to return home, you will need to take a bus to Haltwhistle, where you can take a train to any English town or city.
End of our services.
If you wish to return home, you will need to take a bus to Haltwhistle, where you can take a train to any English town or city.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
From any city in England it is possible to reach Horton-in-Ribblesdale by train, as it is a town with its own train line. If you want to get there by plane, the nearest airport is Leeds Airport, from where you can take a bus, train or taxi.
To return from Greenhead you must take a bus to Haltwhistle, where you can take a train to any English city. We recommend one towards Newcastle, where the nearest airport is located.
To return from Greenhead you must take a bus to Haltwhistle, where you can take a train to any English city. We recommend one towards Newcastle, where the nearest airport is located.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 40 lbs (18 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is one of the most complicated in the UK, so good physical preparation is important to be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
If you have no experience in walking, it is advisable that you take another route of less difficulty and intensity. Although if you want to venture out, we recommend walking through challenging terrain at least 3 months in advance.
Another tip is to train in the gym, or with a personal trainer to improve your fitness with cardio and endurance exercises.
What is the best time of year to complete this route?
The best time is in spring and autumn, when weather conditions are favourable for walking the wooded paths, moors and other sections on the route.
In summer, the sun will be much stronger, and in winter the weather conditions are too extreme to take the route.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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