If you're not looking for a long distance walk but would like to enjoy the delights of the Trails then we have a superb selection of shorter circular and linear walks.
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.
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.
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.
Low Force and Holwick - geology and landscape walk
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.
The Malham Ramble has been devised by Experience Community as a route suitable for a wide range of people. It has been graded as a black route due to the challenging nature of the surfaces over which it passes. It is all on bridleways or minor roads, so can be followed on foot, using mobility equipment, by bike or by horse.
This Experience Community Black Route starts at Watersinks Car Park at the iconic Malham Tarn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Travelling through Malham Moor the terrain is challenging traversing grassy paths where traction can be an issue, but with views aplenty, it’s a worthwhile taste of the open moorland.
Once off the moor the route follows quiet country lanes towards Tarn Moss and joins the world famous Pennine Way long distance walking route skimming the northern edge of Malham Tarn in the shadow of Great Close Hill. This part of the route is an ideal place to stop, have a picnic and absorb your breath-taking surroundings.
The National Trust have a Tramper that can be hired with advanced booking from their Malham Tarn Estate by calling 01729 830416 or emailing malhamtarn@nationaltrust.org.uk The nearest disabled toilets are located at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor’s Centre in Malham Village.
Malham Tarn - suitable for users of off-road wheelchairs and trampers (challenging)
A 4 mile circular route around Malham Tarn with magnificent views. The route is suitable for users of off-road wheelchairs and trampers although it is quite challenging. The following short film by Experience Community gives more information about the route, the terrain and facilities available.
Starting at the National Trust Malham Tarn office, the walk takes you in a clockwise direction around Malham Tarn. Approximately half of the route is on the Pennine Way.
For more information about the work of Experience Community, please click here to visit their website.
This route follows the 'Malham Ramble' circular route with the addition of a section of the Settle Loop of the Pennine Bridleway.
Car parking is at Watersinks car park, close to Malham Tarn.
Walkers can follow the Pennine Way from the car park around the edge of the Tarn, whilst cyclists and horse riders should follow the bridleway across the grassland, slightly away from the lake edge. The routes converge on the track up to Tarn House, and continue on the same route. After passing Tarn Moss the route joins a minor road past High Trenhouse. At the next junction there is the option to follow a bridleway uphill onto the Settle Loop. Heading clockwise on the loop will take you back towards Malham. Follow the byway to drop back down to Langscar Gate, then turn left on the road and immediately take the bridleway to the right back to Watersinks car park.
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 02 - The Cheviot from Bowmont Valley
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 06 - Upper Redesdale from Byrness
Please note: This route is currently not accessible. The Forestry England estate is closed in this area due to extensive damage from Storm Arwen. Please see the Pennine Way News page for further information.
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 08 - Hareshaw and Troughend Commons
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 11 - Hadrian's Wall East Crags
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 13 - Hadrian's Wall West Crags
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 14 - Hartleyburn and Thirlwall Commons
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 15 - River South Tyne and Slaggyford
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 16 - River South Tyne and Alston
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 17 - River South Tyne and Garrigill
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 18 - The High Pennine Fells
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 19 - Knock Fell from Dufton
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 20 - High Cup Nick from Dufton
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 21 - Maize Beck from Cow Green
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 22 - Cauldron Snout and Falcon Clints, Upper Teesdale
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 23 - High and Low Force, Upper Teesdale
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 24 - Baldersdale and Lunedale reservoirs
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 26 - Bowes to the Tan Hill Inn
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 27 - Keld to the Tan Hill Inn
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 29 - Great Shunner Fell and the Buttertubs
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 30 - Upper Wensleydale from Hawes
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 32 - Upper Ribblesdale from Horton
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 33 - Pen-y-Ghent from Horton
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 34 - Fountains Fell & Malham Tarn from Arncliffe
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 35 - Malham Cove and Tarn and Goredale Scar
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 36 - Gargrave to Malham along the River Aire
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 38 - Elslack Moor from Ickornshaw
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 39 - Ickornshaw Moor and Ponden Reservoir
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 40 - Top Withins and Walshaw Dene
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 41 - Hebden Bridge, Hardcastle Crags and Upper Calderdale
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 42 - Stoodley Pike and Rochdale Canal
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 43 - Cragg Vale and many reservoirs
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 44 - Millstone Edge and Blackstone Edge
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 45 - Black Hill from Standedge
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 46 - Black Hill from Torside Reservoir
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 47 - Bleaklow and Old Glossop
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 48 - Black Ashop Moor from Snake Pass
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 49 - Kinder Scout from Hayfield
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.
Walk the Way in a Day - Walk 50 - Kinder Scout from Edale
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.
This route has been designed by Experience Community for disabled people who want to experience the Pennine Way using mobility equipment such as handcycles. The route is on bridleways, minor roads, and a cycle route along a canal, so is also suitable for cyclists.
This Black Route starts at Wessenden Head just outside Meltham in West Yorkshire. The route is linear and is best undertaken as an uplift route. By this we mean that two vehicles are required, one should be left at the end of the route in Slaithwaite and then the group should drive to the start point at Wessenden Head. After enjoying the ride down the Wessenden Valley and back to Slaithwaite, the second vehicle can then be used to pick up the other vehicle from the start of the route.
The route follows the Bridleway from the top of the Wessenden Valley along part of the Pennine Way, alongside four Yorkshire Water Reservoirs before dropping into the village of Marsden where you can stop for a drink in one of the village's many cafés or pubs.
The route then follows the Huddersfield Narrow Canal down the Colne Valley back to Slaithwaite.
Free Disabled Parking is available on New Street, Slaithwaite, HD7 5AB.
