Hiking on The Pennine Way in the United Kingdom

Who Can Hike The Pennine Way?

First, let’s get this out of the way: the Pennine Way is a difficult trail to hike. You will encounter all kinds of obstacles along the way, many of which can be quite challenging to navigate. That said, hiking the Pennine Way is possible for most people. It just depends on your level of experience and fitness level. The Pennine Way is for people who are fit and healthy, have lots of time to complete the trail (at least 2 weeks), and are comfortable hiking long distances on rough terrain. If you have limited time and/or are not physically fit, it’s recommended that you hike one of the shorter sections of the trail. However, if you’re looking to challenge yourself and experience the trail in its entirety, then hiking the entire trail is the best option.

How to Hike the Pennine Way

First, decide which section of the trail you would like to hike. There are seven different sections of the Pennine Way, each with its own unique challenges. The Pennine Way is divided into sections to make it more manageable. If you were to attempt to hike the trail in its entirety, it would be a very long, difficult journey.

Pennine Way Section 1: Ederdale to Brownrigg: This is the most southern section of the trail and also the easiest to hike. It’s a short section that is mostly flat, making it a good option for those with little hiking experience.

Pennine Way Section 2: Teesdale to Kirk Yetholm: This section of the trail is a little more difficult than the first, but nothing too challenging. You will encounter some rather long, steep ascents and descents, making it a good option for those with some hiking experience.

Pennine Way Section 3: Kirk Yetholm to Harrowden: This section of the trail is quite difficult. It’s quite hilly, with lots of steep ascents and descents. It’s recommended for experienced hikers only.

Pennine Way Section 4: Harrowden to Hathersage: This section of the trail is one of the easiest. It features relatively flat ground and not too many major challenges. It’s recommended for people with moderate hiking experience.

Pennine Way Section 5: Hathersage to Great Longstone: This section is a little more challenging than the previous one. It features steeper ascents and descents, and dense forests. It’s recommended for people with hiking experience.

Pennine Way Section 6: Great Longstone to Edale: This section is one of the most challenging. It involves lots of steep ascents and descents, incredibly dense forests, and the highest point on the Pennine Way (1,534 ft). It’s recommended for experienced hikers only.

Pennine Way Section 7: Edale to ReAe: This section is one of the easiest. It’s mostly flat, with some small ascents and descents. It’s recommended for people with some hiking experience.

Should You Hike The Full Pennine Way?

If you are looking to challenge yourself and experience the trail, then you should attempt to hike the entire trail. Hiking the Pennine Way in its entirety is not a walk in the park, however. You’ll need to be in good shape, have plenty of time to complete the trail, and be able to handle the mental and physical challenges that come with hiking such a long trail. You’ll need plenty of patience, perseverance, and grit to finish the trail. It will take a lot of determination and effort, but it’s definitely possible. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination.

Where to Stay Along the Pennine Way

Throughout the trail, you will come across many hostels and other low-cost accommodations. Hostels are a great option for budget hikers as they offer cheap accommodation for small groups. Many have kitchen facilities, which can come in handy for those who prefer to cook their own meals. If you prefer to stay in B&Bs or hotels, you’ll find plenty of those along the trail, too. If you want to stay at hotels, make sure you book ahead so you can get a room at the best price. Note that many hotels and B&Bs are located outside the national parks, where mobile reception is poor. Make sure you check the service availability before booking.

Final Words

The Pennine Way is a long trail that will take a considerable amount of time and effort to complete. However, if you are up for the challenge, it’s an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. Hike the trail in its entirety and you’ll see more of England than many visitors ever see in their lifetimes. You’ll encounter a wide variety of landscapes and get to know the English people and culture better. You’ll also come away with a new sense of self, more confidence, and a greater appreciation for life.