The Pennine Way Southern Route: 9 days

Spend your first night in this small town in the Peak District, located at the southern end of the Pennines.

It is surrounded by extensive fields where you can tour the Kinder Scout Plateau in the north or the peak in the east of town. You can also take an excursion along the River Noe.

Overnight in Edale

Today's route will take you to the Peak District National Park via the Kinder Scout moorland plateau and National Nature Reserve. To ascend, you will have to cross the rocky path called Jacob's Ladder.

If the day allows, from the top you will have beautiful views of the city of Manchester, Winter Hill or the Snowdonia Mountains in north Wales. 

Then, by taking Snake Pass, you will reach Bleaklow Moor, from where it is possible to see the town of Glossop.

Later, once in Torside, you will have an inclusive transfer to Glossop, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Glossop

Your day will start with an inclusive transfer from Glossop to Torside. On arrival, you will walk along the banks of the Torside Reservoir, the largest man-made lake in Longendale Valley, to reach Laddow Rocks, where a long ascent awaits. Once you get the top, you'll have amazing views of the Peak District.

Following the route, you will reach another of the moors in this region: Black Hill. You will descend through Wessenden Valley to reach Standedge, where the Peak District National Park ends. From here, you will head to Diggle for the night.

From Standedge Cutting you will head to Diggle for the night. It is possible to walk to Diggle or, if you wish, you can take a transfer on your own account. 

Overnight in Diggle

Today's walk starts in Standedge Cutting. You can reach this location on foot or take a self-drive from Diggle. 

The walk will have a few ascents that will take you high up into the moors, a characteristic ecosystem in this region. You will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of this natural space, away from all the congestion of the surrounding urban areas. 

The stretch will take you to discover Aiggin Stone, an archaic cairn believed to date back to the Roman period. Further along, you will see Stoodley Pike, a 37-metre monument, which was built in 1815 to commemorate Napoleon's defeat after the Battle of Waterloo.

Continue as the road takes you on a steady descent to the town of Hebden Bridge.

Overnight in Hebden Bridge

After leaving Hebden Bridge, you will walk along the Rochdale Canal to leave the town and, following the route, you will reach the village of Colden. You will cross Colden Water and later arrive at the large fields at Heptonstall Moor.

To the north, you will come across the Gorple and Walshaw Dean reservoirs. Further on, you will see the impressive ruins of Top Withins, a farm known as the possible inspiration for Emily Bronte's famous novel "Wuthering Heights".

After visiting this tourist spot, follow Stanbury Moor from where you have a panoramic view of Ponden Reservoir and the village where you will stay.  

Overnight in Ponden

Today you will enjoy exciting walks through picturesque moorland with challenging climbs. You will start by ascending Old Bess Hill, from where you will also enjoy some great panoramic views of Ponden. As you continue on, you will pass close to Oakworth Moor and Ickornshaw Moor. From here you will descend into the village of Lothersdale.

You will again have an ascent that takes you up to the small village of Thorton in Craven. Along a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, you will reach East Marton, recognisable by the double-arched bridge over the canal. 

In the middle of heather fields, grazing farms and quiet trails you will reach Gargrave, in the Craven district and starting point to visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Overnight in Gargrave

This short section of the Pennine Way mainly follows the course of the River Aire, which is 114km (70 miles) long and is the most important tributary in the historic county of Yorkshire.

The day's route will be straightforward, with little elevation gain and easy access, however, at the end of the path you will have a short but steep climb, which requires a little effort. 

Continue as you enjoy the walk to Malham, a small village known for Malham Cave, Gordale Scar Gorge and Janet's Foss Waterfall. 

Overnight in Malham

Today's journey will take you to the previously mentioned Malham Cove, a large limestone formation, spanning a huge cliff 80m high by 300m wide. Once at the top, the views across the valley are breathtaking.

Continue north to Malham Tarn, England's highest glacial lake and part of the eight alkaline lakes that make up the Highlands of Europe. You'll climb Fountains Fell at 668 metres above sea level, and reach Silverdale Valley.

There, you will climb Pen-y-ghent, the lowest of Yorkshire's Three Peaks, at 694m. Before descending to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, stop to admire Silverdale Valley and the surrounding hills.

Overnight in Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Your adventure on this stretch of Pennine Way is over. If you liked it, we recommend you consider taking the complete route. 

To return home, or continue to another destination, from Horton-in-Ribblesdale train station you can head to any city in England.

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