Pennine Way Circular and Linear Walks

12km (7 mile) difficult circular walk

A 10.75 mile circular walk climbing Cross Fell, the highest of the Pennines, via the steep Eden Scarp.  It is advised that the ascent should be undertaken in fair weather as it requires some tricky navigation, although the descent is along a good track.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

27 miles(45km) two day walk taking in the classic start of the Pennine Way from Edale to Marsden, get there and back by train.

The landscape around Dufton has been nearly 500million years in the making and contains some of the oldest rocks in the North Pennines.

This circular walk around Dufton Pike will introduce you to some of the special features of the landscape. By spotting clues in the hills, valleys and buildings you’ll find out how to read the landscape and discover more about its fascinating past.

Approximately 3 3/4 miles (6km) taking 2 - 2.5 hours. Starts and finishes at Dufton village car park, grid reference NY 689 250

This route is on public footpaths and bridleways and two short stretches of minor road. It follows good paths and tracks with several stiles. Walking boots are recommended as the route can be rough and muddy in places.

Download the leaflet for more information and a map.

6.5 miles (10.6km) - easy circular walk

13.5 km (8.5 miles) easy circular walk

7.5 Miles (12km) - moderate/challenging circular walk.

This trail is approximately 9.5km long. It follows marked footpaths up the North Pennine escarpment and through part of the Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve.The different types of rocks you will see on this trail tell a story of the events and processes that have created this landscape over nearly 500 million years of Earth history. 

Stout boots, warm clothing and good waterproofs are advised as even in summer the climate of the North Pennine escarpment can be harsh and cloud can descend quickly. Allow a full day for the complete walk.

Use of an Ordnance Survey map and compass is recommended for this route.

The landscape around Low Force and Holwick in Upper Teasdale has been over 300 million years in the making. This 2.5 mile circular walk will introduce you to some of the special features of the landscape. By spotting clues in the fields, walls, crags and River Tees you’ll find out how to read the landscape and discover more about its fascinating past.

Approximately 2.5 miles / 4km taking 1.5 hours. Starts and finishes at Bowlees car park, grid reference NY 908 282

This route follows public footpaths with several stiles and a short stretch of minor road. Walking boots or strong shoes are recommended.

Download the leaflet for more information and a map.

20.7 mile (33km) two day walk on the Pennine Way through the distinctive limestone scenery and geological wonders of the southern Yorkshire Dales. Get there by train.

A 10 miles (16km) moderate circular walk with some steep slopes.

6 miles (10km) challenging circular walk

An 8.5 mile circular walk along the Border Ridge incorporating both the high and the low sections of the Pennine Way and offering exceptional views.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A challenging 16 mile hill circular walk, encompassing the Schil and the Cheviot.  The difficult terrain crosses the notorious Cheviot bog (access is now improved with flagstones) and offers wonderful views.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 9.75 mile circular hill walk largely following droveways and the border ridge, with excellent views particularly from Windy Gyle.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 9.75 mile circular route along the flagged route of the Pennine Way over Lamb Hill, Beefstand Hill and Mozie Law, featuring outstanding views.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 9.75 mile circular walk following a Roman road from the Roman Camp at  Chew Green, returning down a narrow stream valley and a quiet road section.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 14 mile circular walk through varied landscapes, from the forests of Upper Redesdale, the broad ridge leading to Chew Green Roman camps and back either over the moorland (when the MoD ranges are open) or along a forest trail.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 19.25 mile circular walk which is largely on forestry tracks, with some archaeological points of interest along the way.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 16 mile circular walk starting at Bellingham taking you through varied landscapes, following the Pennine Way across the moorland and returning through farmland and along the River North Tyne. Some of the route is along quiet roads.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An enjoyable 16 mile circular walk starting at Bellingham through Border Reiver country, including pasture, forest trails and quiet roads.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 16.5 mile walk largely on forestry trails but with some difficult terrain over the moorland, offering views over Greenlee Lough towards Hadrian's Wall.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An inspiring 9.75 mile walk following Hadrian's Wall along the Great Whin Sill with a detour to Housesteads fort. Returning on good tracks and quiet roads with a visit to Greenlee Lough.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A wonderful 10.25 mile rollercoaster walk along Hadrian's Wall, returning along paths, tracks and quiet roads with a chance to visit Vindolanda fort.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 10.75 mile circular walk following Hadrian's Wall over the Nine Nicks of Thirlwall, through the remailns of Aesica fort and returning along a  riverside path with a charming wooded gorge with a chance to visit Haltwhistle.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A varied 14.25 mile circular walk crossing moorland, a railway trail and quiet roads with a number of historical points of interest along the way including Lambley Viaduct and Thirlwall and Featherstone Castles.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 13.75 mile circular walk walk in a figure of  "8" shape, which can therefore be walked as two shorter walks if desired.  The route has some boggier sections on the Pennine Way but then follows a railway trail with splendid views.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 9.5 mile walk in a figure of "8" centred on England's highest market town, Alston. Crossing valley side pasture and the remains of a Roman fort (Whitley Castle) and then returning alongside a narrow guage railway.  The paths can be muddy but there are lovely views.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 12 mile riverside walk in a figure of "8" centred on the lead-mining village of Garrigill.  There are numerous stiles and gates through the meadows but the scenery is pleasant and there are some fine waterfalls, including Ashgill Force.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A long (19 mile) and challenging hill walk, visiting the highest of the Pennine fells (Cross Fell, Little Dun Fell and Great Dun Fell).  These can be hazardous in poor weather but the views are wonderful when fine.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An enjoyable 12.25 mile hill walk, starting in the old lead-mining village of Duftonand following steep paths leading up onto Knock Fell.  The return is along a radar station access road and runs around Knock Pike and Dufton Pike.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 9.5 mile walk which should only be undertaken in good weather as the climb up through High Cup gorge on an old miner's track is tricky.  The route starts in a charming dene and gentle farmland but soon changes as it climbs.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 14.75 mile following alternative routes of the Pennine Way, one along an old miner's track and one over the rough moorland. The route takes in Cow Green Reservoir and High Cup gorge.  Note that if Maize Beck is in flood, a linear route must be followed.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An 11 mile circuit, featuring the rough pasture of Upper Teesdale, a clamber along the boulder strewn riverside path beneath Falcon Clints and a scramble up the side of Cauldron Snout before returning along the Cow Green Reservoir access road.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An 18.75 mile, starting at the lead-mining village of Middleton-in Teesdale and following the River Tees upstream past two spectacular waterfalls (Low Force and High Force) and Cronkley Scar.  Returning by a droveway and a quiet road.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An enjoyable 13.5 mile walk running along Baldersdale and Lunedale reservoirs and crossing a series of moorland ridges.  The route passes the remote farm where Hannah Hauxwell once lived and a Bronze Age tumulus before returning along a railway trail and quiet roads.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

This challenging 14 mile walk combines the alternative Pennine Way routes of the "Bowes Loop".

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln. 

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

Combining alternative Pennine Way routes this 17.5 miles circuit crosses open moorland with some boggy ground, leading to Tan Hill (Britain's highest pub) and then returning along good tracks and quiet roads.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An 11 mile circular walk partly along the Pennine Way, offering splendid views of Upper Swaledale and the surrounding fells as well as East Gill Force. The route crosses open moorland whic can prove challenging.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A picturesque 7 mile walk, visiting the villages of Upper Swaledale and criss-crossing Kisdon Hill.  Crossing meadows and a steep hill and returning along a good track with exceptional views.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A challenging 16.25 mile hill walk offering extensive views from Great Shunner Fell and Stags Fell, with an opportunity to visit England's highest waterfall, Hardraw Force.  The return route also passes the deep limestone fissures known as the Buttertubs.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 13.5 mile circuit starting at Hawes following paths and tracks along a series of ridges flanked by deep valleys.  The final section is across the meadows of Upper Wensleydale and so it is essential to complete it before dark.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

Starting at its highest point, this 13 mile walk can be hard-going at times with a badly eroded track, boggy moorland and forest firebreaks to negotiate.  Much of the route is on quiet tracks and there are fine views from the ridges.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

This highly enjoyable 13.5 mile walk begins in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, in the heart of the three peaks area.  It follows the Pennine Way along stony tracks passing a series of deep limestone fissures and returning through beautiful limestone scenery.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A challenging 15.25 mile hill walk following pack horse routes and difficult paths around Pen-y-Ghent, with an exhilarating clamber up onto the summit. Deep limestone fissures passed along the way include the country's largest natural hole, Hull Pot.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 16 mile walk starting from Arncliffe in Littondale (the original Emmerdale), this highly enjoyable walk follows a monastic way over limestone moors to Malham Tarn before crossing the rugged moorland terrain of Fountains Fell via niners' tracks.  Returning on a stony track and a riverside path.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An 11.25 mile walk through the best limestone scenery including towering crags (Malham Cove and Gordale Scar), extensive areas of limestone pavement and a dry valley.  The route also includes a circuit of Malham Tarn and a charming dene with a lovely waterfall (Janet's Foss).

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An enjoyable 14.25 mile walk through pleasant countryside linking a series of picturesque villages running up the valley.  The route follows the Pennine Way over pasture and beside the River Aire before returning by a combination of paths and tracks.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A pleasant 11.25 mile walk following the Pennine Way over gently rolling pasture, returning on the towpath beside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An arduous 13.25 mile walk which is a prelude to the Millstone Grit landscapes of the South Pennines.  It runs over pasture and moorland, crossing and re-crossing ridges which provide extensive views. There is some fiddly route-finding on the way.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.

Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 15.5 mile walk which crosses windswept moorland by rough paths that can be boggy in places.  Passing small reservoirs and a ruined cotton mill, points of interest include Ponden Hall, the inspiration for  Thrushcross Grange in "Wuthering Heights" and the Earl Crag monuments.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An enjoyable 13.75 mile walkfollowing the Pennine Way beside reservoirs and over moorland, returning by an old pack horse route.  This route features the isolated ruin of Top Withins, the inspiration for the Earnshaw residence in "Wuthering Heights".

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

This 13.5 mile circular walk offers an unequalled combination of beautiful countryside and industrial heritage. The varied route includes narrow lanes and open moorland as well as a beautiful wooded valley, a visit to the centre of Hebden Bridge and the towpath beside the Rochdale Canal.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A short (6.75 miles) but varied walk taking in a wooded valley side, moorland ridge, an attractive dene and a canal towpath. The imposing monument on Stoodley Pike is the principal landmark in the area, offering spectacular views over Upper Calderdale.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 15.5 mile circuit crossing wild moorland. Navigation is easy as the route follows good tracks beside a chain of reservoirs and permissive paths created by Yorkshire Water.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A long 17.5 mile walk following the Pennine Way through a landscape of rugged charm, with moorland paths running along Millstone Grit scarps. The return route follows tracks and lanes including parts of the Pennine Bridleway.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 12.5 mile challenging walk across open moorland combining old and new Pennine Way routes. After following an easy path beside reservoirs and up onto Black Hill, the return crosses difficult terrain where naviagtion is tricky.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 12.5 mile enjoyable hill walk following a cliff edge path then a flagged path up to Black Hill summit. The descent is via a broad ridge with some difficult terrain. A circuit of Torside Reservoir adds variety.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A 13.75 mile circular walk across open moorland this walk truly gives you a sense of the Pennine Way.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An 8.75 mile circular walk taking in a Roman Road and a forest trail. It follows the flagged path of the Pennine Way along a broad ridge with fine views.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

A splendid 9 mile circular hill walk retracing the steps of the famous Kinder Scout mass trespass. The route heads up William Clough then follows the Penine Way along the plateau edge, passing the dramatic Kinder Downfall and Kinder Low before returning by an old packhorse route.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

An entertaining 10.75 mile circular walk combining the old and new routes of the Pennine Way across the famous peat of Kinder Plateau.

This walk is reproduced with permission from Circular Walks on the Pennine Way by Kevin Donkin, published by Frances Lincoln.  
Click the link below to download a pdf walk leaflet.

12 km (7.5 miles) moderate circular walk