Central Pennine Way Route: 9 days

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.

Overnight in Horton-in-Ribblesdale

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.  

Overnight in Hawes

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.

Overnight in Keld

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.

Overnight in Middleton-in-Teesdale

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. 

Overnight in Langdon Beck

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.

Overnight in Appleby-in-Westmorland

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.  

Overnight in Alston

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.

Overnight in 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.

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