The Pennine Way Northern Route: 7 days

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.

Overnight in Greenhead

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.

Overnight in Once Brewed

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.

Overnight in Bellinham

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.

Overnight in Byrness

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.

Overnight in Byrness

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.

Overnight in 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.

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