The Route

‘The Big One’ runs for 268 miles (431km in new money) from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm, just inside the Scottish border. I have been reassured by literary sources that there will be no dangling off ropes, clinging to rock faces or staring down any abysses – so at least we will know when we have gone terribly wrong. 

There are three major ascents, the highest being Cross Fell in the North Pennines at 2,930 ft (893 metres). The total ascent of the route is 32,000 feet, 9,753 metres or 2,222 Double Decker buses. I won’t dwell on that fact for too long. If you are into statistics – we will also be navigating 287 gates, 249 timber stiles, 183 stone stiles and 204 bridges. Our adversaries have been listed as: the weather, the terrain and the ‘awesome sense of loneliness’ – something that Dad may be longing for after 5 days of walking, eating, sleeping and talking with me.  

The Pennine Way has been dubbed as the backbone of England covering mostly high moorlands and empty hills – which frequently means expanses of bog. Starting in the area we know and love, Edale in the Dark Peaks, the route will take us through Dark Peak, Yorkshire Dales, Hadrians wall and the Cheviots. The first and the penultimate days are expected to be the toughest but I am hoping our experience of the Dark Peaks will stand us in good stead – the devil you know!

Pounding the Pennines will take us 21 days – 20 days walking and 1 rest day in Hawes, North Yorkshire. Below is the itinerary, we would love for you to come and join us for a day’s walking or even a pint at the end! And if all of that has inspired you, this is all about raising money for Mountain Rescue so we would be very grateful for your sponsorship.  http://www.justgiving.com/poundingthepennines or just text HIKE97 £[AMOUNT] to 70070.

Itinerary 24 August - 12 September