The Pennine Way Northern Route: 7 days
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Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Take the northern route along the Pennine Way National Trail, the oldest and most iconic long-distance walk through the UK's rocky backbone, devised by journalist Tom Stephenson and inspired by the US Appalachian Trail, which was opened to the public in 1965.
Explore the history-laden trails, Roman ruins, hills and spectacular landscapes that inspired writers such as the Bronte sisters and William Wordsworth. Get to know the National Parks in the Northern Pennines, Northumberland National Park and a stretch along Hadrian's Wall, a border boundary of the Roman Empire, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Get to know Sycamore Gap, awarded the English Tree of the Year at the Woodland Trust Awards.
- Admire the curlew, the official symbol of the Northumberland National Park.
- Try the homemade pastries in the historic commercial town of Bellingham.
- Enjoy an astronomical sighting in the Dark Sky Park in Northumberland, the largest in Europe.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Greenhead
Start your holiday by exploring this village located in the historic county of Northumberland, just outside Northumberland National Park, a 1,030 km2 expanse of beautiful landscapes between the Scottish border in the north and Hadrian's Wall in the south.
Visit the ruins of this 2nd century wall, built by order of the Roman emperor Hadrian to defend the then territory of Britannia. You can't miss the much-photographed Sycamore Gap, a tree set in a spectacular dip by the wall or, just to its left, Milecastle 39, known as Castle Nick.
Visit the ruins of this 2nd century wall, built by order of the Roman emperor Hadrian to defend the then territory of Britannia. You can't miss the much-photographed Sycamore Gap, a tree set in a spectacular dip by the wall or, just to its left, Milecastle 39, known as Castle Nick.
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 2 - Greenhead to Once Brewed 7,1 miles | 11,4 km
Take Greenhead's main road north to the 12th-century Thirlwall Castle on the banks of the River Tipalt, declared a Scheduled Ancient Monument, as it is considered an archaeological site of natural importance.
Visit the Roman Army Museum, on the outskirts of the village, before walking along Hadrian's Wall and finding the ancient Crawfield quarry and Milecastle, a small Roman fortification and one of the best preserved sections of the wall.
Walk along the trail to Once Brewed, a small village consisting only of the Twice Brewed Inn youth hostel, a pub, a visitor centre and some farms.
Visit the Roman Army Museum, on the outskirts of the village, before walking along Hadrian's Wall and finding the ancient Crawfield quarry and Milecastle, a small Roman fortification and one of the best preserved sections of the wall.
Walk along the trail to Once Brewed, a small village consisting only of the Twice Brewed Inn youth hostel, a pub, a visitor centre and some farms.
Overnight in Once Brewed
Bridge House B&B
Located in the heart of the beautiful Hadrian's Wall countryside, the property offers a central point for discovering the borders of the Roman Empire and its ruins.
It has two en suite rooms, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, TV and panoramic views of Milecastle 42, Cawfields and Hadrian's Wall.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has two en suite rooms, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, TV and panoramic views of Milecastle 42, Cawfields and Hadrian's Wall.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Once Brewed to Bellingham 15,2 miles | 24,4 km
Head east along Hadrian's Wall to Steel Rigg, one of the best viewpoints overlooking The Pennines, Simonside Hills and coniferous forests.
Deviate to visit the Roman fort at Housesteads, or head north to the Northumberland National Park as you traverse the Wark Conifer Forest, part of the Kielder Forest, Europe's largest man-made forest.
Cross the farmland of the North Tyne Valley by the river bank to the commercial village of Bellingham, known as the gateway to Kielder Forest and Water Park.
Deviate to visit the Roman fort at Housesteads, or head north to the Northumberland National Park as you traverse the Wark Conifer Forest, part of the Kielder Forest, Europe's largest man-made forest.
Cross the farmland of the North Tyne Valley by the river bank to the commercial village of Bellingham, known as the gateway to Kielder Forest and Water Park.
Overnight in Bellinham
Lyndale House
Overlooking the moors of the Northumberland countryside, this warm guest house offers rooms with Wi-Fi, a bathroom, shower, TV and toiletries.
Enjoy free parking and English breakfast, the living room and the beautiful garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy free parking and English breakfast, the living room and the beautiful garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Bellingham to Byrness 15 miles | 24,1 km
Cross several miles of heather moors and coniferous forests through the hamlet of Blakehopeburnhaugh, at the northern end of Kielder Forest.
Walk along the rising path along the River Rede to the village of Byrness, built by the Forestry Commission to house workers from the extensive surrounding forests and the last village in England before reaching the Cheviot Hills and entering Scotland.
The village is located in the heart of Northumberland's Dark Sky Park, Europe's largest park for observing the sky thanks to its extraordinary visibility.
Walk along the rising path along the River Rede to the village of Byrness, built by the Forestry Commission to house workers from the extensive surrounding forests and the last village in England before reaching the Cheviot Hills and entering Scotland.
The village is located in the heart of Northumberland's Dark Sky Park, Europe's largest park for observing the sky thanks to its extraordinary visibility.
Overnight in Byrness
Forest View Walkers Inn
This small family inn is located just a few kilometres from the Scottish border, on the edge of Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park.
It offers seven single, double, and triple rooms, with bathroom and central heating. Enjoy the Foresters Bar and try its variety of craft beers or relax in the Lounge Bar, next to the wood-burning stove.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers seven single, double, and triple rooms, with bathroom and central heating. Enjoy the Foresters Bar and try its variety of craft beers or relax in the Lounge Bar, next to the wood-burning stove.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Trows Farm 14,5 miles | 23,2 km
Take this walk along England's lonely, less-populated hills, through swampy trails and sheep grazing farms to the Cheviot Hills.
Climb the moor and take the alternative route to the Chew Green Roman camp, a scheduled monument discovered in 1930, located within the Otterburn Military Training Area.
Walk to the top of Windy Gyle Mountain ,and be surrounded by vultures, black grouse, royal eagles and its fabulous wilderness. Venture to the marker stone at the top called Russell's Cairn, and take the route south from Windy Gyle to Trows Farm, before returning to Byrness.
Climb the moor and take the alternative route to the Chew Green Roman camp, a scheduled monument discovered in 1930, located within the Otterburn Military Training Area.
Walk to the top of Windy Gyle Mountain ,and be surrounded by vultures, black grouse, royal eagles and its fabulous wilderness. Venture to the marker stone at the top called Russell's Cairn, and take the route south from Windy Gyle to Trows Farm, before returning to Byrness.
Overnight in Byrness
Forest View Walkers Inn
This small family inn is located just a few kilometres from the Scottish border, on the edge of Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park.
It offers seven single, double, and triple rooms, with bathroom and central heating. Enjoy the Foresters Bar and try its variety of craft beers or relax in the Lounge Bar, next to the wood-burning stove.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers seven single, double, and triple rooms, with bathroom and central heating. Enjoy the Foresters Bar and try its variety of craft beers or relax in the Lounge Bar, next to the wood-burning stove.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Byrness to Kirk Yetholm 16,5 miles | 26,4 km
Start the last leg of this beautiful route with a short transfer to Trows Farm. Today you will have ascents to the higher hills over marshy trails with the reward of the most spectacular views.
It descends to the village of Kirk Yetholm, on the Scottish borders, located between the River Bowmont and the edge of the Cheviot Hills. Visit its two small villages, Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm, the former 'Gypsy Palace', right next to Kirk Yetholm Green, a private house, or one of its only two pubs.
It descends to the village of Kirk Yetholm, on the Scottish borders, located between the River Bowmont and the edge of the Cheviot Hills. Visit its two small villages, Town Yetholm and Kirk Yetholm, the former 'Gypsy Palace', right next to Kirk Yetholm Green, a private house, or one of its only two pubs.
Overnight in Kirk Yetholm
Hotel Border
This small and charming hotel will capture your attention with its traditional facade that deserves to be featured in one of your travel photos.
The facilities of this hotel are designed to envelop you in tranquility and comfort. Upon entering its small bar, you'll sit by the fireplace, and under the gentle roar of the fire, you immerse yourself in its menu of drinks and exquisite dishes made of local products.
Each room is named after local hills, trails, and rivers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The facilities of this hotel are designed to envelop you in tranquility and comfort. Upon entering its small bar, you'll sit by the fireplace, and under the gentle roar of the fire, you immerse yourself in its menu of drinks and exquisite dishes made of local products.
Each room is named after local hills, trails, and rivers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Kirk Yetholm
For your return, take a bus to Berwick-upon Tweed station and then a train towards Newcastle city centre.
From this railway station, you can also go to Manchester, with a transfer in Leeds. To go to London, take a direct train on an approximately 4-hour journey.
End of our services.
From this railway station, you can also go to Manchester, with a transfer in Leeds. To go to London, take a direct train on an approximately 4-hour journey.
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
To get to Greenhead, we suggest Newcastle Airport, Manchester Airport and Glasgow Airport.
From Newcastle, take a train (2h approximately) to the town of Haltwhistle and from there, a bus or taxi to Greenhead. From Manchester Airport or Glasgow Airport you can arrive by train, via Carlisle to Haltwhistle.
For your return from Kirk Yetholm and depending on your next destination, take a bus to Berwick-upon Tweed station and then a train to Newcastle city centre, and then another to the airport (approximate 1.5 hours).
If you want to go to Manchester Airport, take a train at Berwick-upon Tweed to Leeds and then another to the airport. And if you prefer to head to London, take a direct train of approximately 4 hours from the same railway station.
From Newcastle, take a train (2h approximately) to the town of Haltwhistle and from there, a bus or taxi to Greenhead. From Manchester Airport or Glasgow Airport you can arrive by train, via Carlisle to Haltwhistle.
For your return from Kirk Yetholm and depending on your next destination, take a bus to Berwick-upon Tweed station and then a train to Newcastle city centre, and then another to the airport (approximate 1.5 hours).
If you want to go to Manchester Airport, take a train at Berwick-upon Tweed to Leeds and then another to the airport. And if you prefer to head to London, take a direct train of approximately 4 hours from the same railway station.
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 is the best time of year to do this route?
The route is at its best between April and September, so any time you choose between these months will give you an amazing experience as the weather is nice and cool for walking.
The weather can be very changeable, lots of sun, rain or strong gusts of wind, so we recommend taking good equipment such as windproof clothing and sunscreen with you.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is rated with a medium-high difficulty level and has some demanding ascents and descents through moors and rocky or swampy trails. Walks can be up to 26 km per day on trails that are not well signposted, and on some of England's loneliest terrains.
We recommend having experience in long-distance walking and an active lifestyle. If not, you can prepare the months before starting the route by walking daily on mountainous terrain. You can also improve your endurance with cardio exercises.
Is this route for me?
Whether you're passionate about long walking trails, geological and historical tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites among nature reserves and parks, or astronomical experiences, this is the ideal route for you.
If you enjoy local experiences and try new things, this route takes you through charming villages, typical English pubs and delicious national spirits.
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.
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.
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