Hidden gems along Britain's mythical Pennine Way as first national trail celebrates milestone
Marking its 60th anniversary, Sarah Marshall unveils the hidden gems of the famous 268 mile Penine Way, along with the best offers to visit it for a summer staycation.
Britain's country paths have been traversed by thousands of pilgrims and hikers over the centuries, but the first official national trail was only introduced in modern times.
Inspired by America's Appalachian Trail, journalist and rambler Tom Stephenson published an article in the Daily Herald calling for a " long green trail" that could form "the backbone of England". It took 30 years of battling with landowners for his dream to become a reality, with The Pennine Way finally inaugurated on April 24, 1965.
Stretching for 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, the path winds through three national parks: the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. It crosses forests, moorlands and ancient Roman remnants along Hadrian's Wall, with a total ascent exceeding the height of Mount Everest.
Beyond its recreational significance, it marked a watershed moment in Britain's access rights movement, opening up wild areas to all citizens and paving the way for more national trails.
In honour of this month's 60th anniversary, hundreds of travellers are expected to visit the North of England, either to hike part of the path or simply enjoy the natural surroundings. These are some of the best ways to commemorate one of the world 's most important rambling routes.
Hike a scenic section
Rather than tackle the full thing, sample a standout section on a new four-night guided walking holiday. From a base in Appleby-in-Westmorland at one of the trailheads, venture out each day to explore an area lying between the Pennines and the Lake District fells.
Follow a disused railway line over viaducts, admire the deep glacial gorge of High Cup Nick, and marvel at the stone structures of Nine Standards Rigg. Stroll along the River Eden, explore market town Appleby and visit Rutter Mill, a water-powered corn mill, and the waterfall.
Book it: The four-night Enchanting Eden Valley tour starts from £649 per person, including half-board accommodation and guide. Departs July 7, August 18 and September 15, 2025. rambleworldwide.co.uk
Dine on fine food
Inns served as a literal lifeline for medieval travellers passing through Northumberland. Many provided shelter for pilgrims moving between the treacherous border region between England and Scotland.
One of the oldest buildings still standing is in the honey-bricked village of Blanchland, overlooking the moorlands. Dating back to the 12th century, The Lord Crewe Arms has since been remodelled as one of the region's top culinary boutique hotels with a choice of dining rooms and cosy nooks for sipping locally brewed pints. As part of a new monthly Taste of the North East series, guest chefs from the region will treat diners to a menu of seasonal delights, with 75% of all profits donated to charity. On April 28, Damian Broom, executive chef at Seaham Hall, will be helming the kitchen.
Book it: Tickets from £75 per person, including a welcome glass of sparkling wine and coffee. Wine pairings extra. Doubles at the Lord Crewe Arms from £160 per night, including breakfast. lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
Get on your bike
Not everyone has the stamina to hike but that doesn't mean missing out. "While the 268-mile stretch is primarily a walking route, road trippers can choose to take the easterly A1 passing through Leeds, Durham and Newcastle, or the westerly M6 through Manchester and the Lake District," recommends Max Schmidt, head of CamperDays.
"Picking up a four-person roadsurfer Surfer Suite van from Manchester, April 26 to May3, will cost £723 total, while a four-person Bunk Campers Mystery 2 from London will cost £565. For something a little more luxurious, picking up the four-person McRent Comfort Luxury from Manchester over the same dates would cost £1,055 total."
Witness local wildlife
Some of the biggest beneficiaries of protected areas are undoubtedly the wild species that inhabit them. Thanks to conservation efforts, Britain's wildlife manages to thrive in national parks. The reservoirs and woodlands of the Pennine Way are home to many bird species and Britain's only mountain hare.
Focusing on the Peak District, wildlife specialists Naturetrek offers a dedicated birding day trip led by naturalist Matthew Capper, with a chance to see moorland birds like the ring ouzel, curlew, whinchat and wheatear. Visit a blanket bog to see important populations of golden plover and dunlin, and head to woodlands for pied flycatchers and redstarts.
Sip blended botanicals
A strenuous hike deserves a decent liquid reward. Along with fine food and beers, world-class gins are produced in this part of the world, providing an opportunity to sample nature's delights in a different way. Part of Northumberland National Park's Hepple Estate, which has moved away from sheep, commodity timber and game shooting towards rewilding, the Hepple Spirits Distillery is set in one of Britain's most biodiverse landscapes.
Learn about conservation efforts and sustainable techniques used to harvest botanicals including hawthorn, Douglas fir, lovage, bog myrtle and blackcurrant leaves. A private tour can be arranged for guests staying at the historic Kirkstyle Inn in Slaggyford, an ideal base for walkers on the trail.
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