Greg's Hut, Cross Fell

Pennine Way – Central

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Overview

Route

What’s Included?

Itineraries & Prices

Accommodation

Travel Info

Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays

7 - 10 Nights

103 miles / 166 km

Prices from: £1040 per person
Start: Horton-in-Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire
Finish: Greenhead, Northumberland
Availability: Any start date from April to October
Grading: Challenging to Strenuous
Way-marked: Yes

Central Pennine Way Highlights

The challenge

Take on the challenge of walking part of the oldest National Trail through some of the most rugged and beautiful countryside in the UK.

Unbeatable scenery

Journey through the wonderful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines and Hadrian’s Wall Country.

Cross Fell

Reach the highest point of the entire Pennine Way at Cross Fell and enjoy the stunning views.

Britain’s highest pub

Enjoy a drink at the Tan Hill Inn – Britain’s highest pub.

Geological formations

Walk along the northern edge of the heavenly valley of High Cup Nick.

Natural beauty spots

Visit breathtaking natural wonders along the way, including High Force and Cauldron Snout waterfalls.

Experience the Natural Wonders of the Pennine Way

The Pennine Way – Central takes you from Horton-in-Ribblesdale in Yorkshire to Greenhead, nestled in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country. This stretch is moderately challenging and takes in many of the landscapes that characterise the whole trail, including wild moorland, rolling farmland, and the fabulous views from the hills of the North Pennines.

The Pennine Way is Britain’s oldest National Trail, spanning 257 miles along the rugged backbone of England to the Scottish Borders. The Central section starts from Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and travels north to the village of Greenhead, nestled in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country.

This moderately challenging section offers a variety of landscapes which truly encapsulate the Pennine Way. You can experience the tranquillity of hiking through wild moorlands, rolling hills, and serene open valleys. Recently, the route has also gone through slight modifications to rebalance the toughest sections and ensure all paths are accessible.

This Central section is packed with breathtaking natural wonders, including several highlights of the entire Pennine Way trail. Your journey will take you along old Roman roads, packhorse tracks, and wild moorland leading you deep into majestic hills. The sense of achievement in completing this challenging and spectacular walk will be the best feeling of all.

Pennine Way Central Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is PENW-C3 which covers the route in 9 days / 10 nights.

Travel to Horton-in-Ribblesdale for your first night’s accommodation

Arrive in Horton-in-Ribblesdale and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Day 1: Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes (14 miles / 22.5 km)

Your walk along the Pennine Way will start by following old packhorse routes and Roman roads to the small market town of Hawes. The town is home to the Wensleydale Creamery where the famous Yorkshire cheese is produced.

Day 2: Hawes to Keld (12.5 miles / 20 km)

Today is a classic day on the Pennine Way, consisting of wild moorland, waterfalls, and quaint villages. You will pass Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall, and the quaint village of Thwaite. The trail will then lead you across fields lined with dry stone walls, featuring the Yorkshire Dales’ traditional two-level barns which are dotted all around the countryside.

As you make your way to Keld, you will have the opportunity to visit four different waterfalls which are located along a geological fault-line.

Day 3: Keld to Bowes (12.5 miles / 20 km)

Leaving Keld behind, the trail passes over the remote Stonesdale Moor and leads you to Britain’s highest pub – the Tan Hill Inn. Sitting at 528 metres (1,732 feet) high, the pub dates back to the 17th century and was once used as a meeting place along an old packhorse route.

As you reach the village of Bowes, you can visit the impressive ruins of Bowes Castle.

Day 4: Bowes to Middleton-in-Teesdale (12.5 miles / 20 km)

From Bowes, the trail traverses Cotherstone Moor and skirts around Goldsborough Crags towards Blackton Reservoir. You will pass Hannah’s Meadow Nature Reserve, before continuing through Mickleton Moor and over Harter Fell. Your day will end in the pretty market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Day 5: Middleton-in-Teesdale to Langdon Beck (10.5 miles / 17 km)

Easier terrain awaits today, as you will be following the River Tees from Middleton-in-Teesdale. En-route, you will find Low Force Waterfall, a beautiful set of 18-foot high waterfalls. As you continue onward, you will then come across High Force Waterfall, which is one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls at 70-feet high.

Day 6: Langdon Beck to Dufton (13.5 miles / 22 km)

This section must be one of the most scenic stretches of the trail. Starting along the River Tees, you will come to Cauldron Snout, a cascade of water located below Cow Green Reservoir. The highlight of the day and one of the best views on the entire Pennine Way is High Cup Nick – an extraordinary U-shaped valley that certainly makes for a unique view!

Day 7: Dufton to Garrigill (16 miles / 25.5 km)

Today you will reach the highest point on the entire Pennine Way as you cross over Cross Fell, which is also the highest mountain in the North Pennines at 893-metres (2,929 feet) high.

While this is said to be the hardest day on the Pennine Way, you will be rewarded with extensive views over the North Pennines. You will also pass by England’s highest bothy, Greg’s Hut.

Day 8: Garrigill to Slaggyford (9 miles / 14.5 km)

Today is a welcome day of easy walking which begins alongside the South Tyne River, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and farmland. The trail then passes the grassy ramparts of Whitley Castle at Epiacum Roman Fort – the highest stone-built Roman fort in Britain at 330-metres (1,082 feet) above sea level.

Day 9: Slaggyford to Greenhead (11 miles / 17.5 km)

The final day on this section of the Pennine Way will take you out of the Pennines and into Hadrian’s Wall country, as you cross the wild, marshy moorland at Blenkinsopp Common.

You will have the opportunity to visit Thirlwall Castle and the Roman Army Museum, before making your way to your final overnight stop Greenhead.

Onward travel

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the Pennine Way.

What’s Included?

Your Pennine Way walking holiday includes:

Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
Traditional English breakfast
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 3 suggested itineraries for walking the Pennine Way – Central.

Our most popular itinerary is PENW-C3 which covers the route in 9 days.

Tour code

Itinerary

Average miles

Difficulty

Price per person

PENW-C1

6 Days / 7 Nights

17.5 miles per day

Strenuous

From £1040

Average miles : 17.5 miles per day

Tour code: PENW-C1

Difficulty : Strenuous

6 Days / 7 Nights (PENW-C1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is also a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Horton-in-Ribblesdale for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes 14 miles / 22.5 km

Day 2 Hawes to Tan Hill 16.5 miles / 26 km

Day 3 Tan Hill to Middleton-in-Teesdale 17 miles / 27 km

Day 4 Middleton-in-Teesdale to Dufton 21 miles / 34 km

Day 5 Dufton to Garrigill 16 miles / 25.5 km

Day 6 Garrigill to Greenhead 20 miles / 32 km

Depart Onward travel from Greenhead

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1040 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

PENW-C2

7 Days / 8 Nights

15.5 miles per day

Strenuous

From £1125

Average miles : 15.5 miles per day

Tour code: PENW-C2

Difficulty : Strenuous

7 Days / 8 Nights (PENW-C2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is also a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Horton-in-Ribblesdale for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes 14 miles / 22.5 km

Day 2 Hawes to Keld 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 3 Keld to Bowes 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 4 Bowes to Langdon Beck 21.5 miles / 34 km

Day 5 Langdon Beck to Dufton 13.5 miles / 22 km

Day 6 Dufton to Garrigill 16 miles / 25.5 km

Day 7 Garrigill to Greenhead 20 miles / 32 km

Depart Onward travel from Greenhead

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1125 per person

Enquire Now

PENW-C3

9 Days / 10 Nights

12.5 miles per day

Challenging

From £1440

Average miles : 12.5 miles per day

Tour code: PENW-C3

Difficulty : Challenging

9 Days / 10 Nights (PENW-C3)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is also a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Horton-in-Ribblesdale for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Hawes 14 miles / 22.5 km

Day 2 Hawes to Keld 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 3 Keld to Bowes 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 4 Bowes to Middleton-in-Teesdale 12.5 miles / 20 km

Day 5 Middleton-in-Teesdale to Langdon Beck 10.5 miles / 17 km

Day 6 Langdon Beck to Dufton 13.5 miles / 22 km

Day 7 Dufton to Garrigill 16 miles / 25.5 km

Day 8 Garrigill to Slaggyford 9 miles / 14.5 km

Day 9 Slaggyford to Greenhead 11 miles / 17.5 km

Depart Onward travel from Greenhead

Prices

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £1440 per person

Enquire Now

Pennine Way Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Horton-in-Ribblesdale

By Air

Nearest International Airport: Manchester Airport

From Manchester Airport you can travel by train to Leeds and from there take a direct train to Horton-in-Ribblesdale (journey time 1 hour 10 min).

There are regular shuttle bus services from Manchester airport to the city centre.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Horton-in-Ribblesdale can be reached by a direct train from Leeds (journey time 1 hour 10 min) or Carlisle (journey time 1 hour 30 min). Both of these are well connected for transport throughout the UK.

By Car

Long term car parking in Horton-in-Ribblesdale is limited, so we recommend that you travel by public transport. However, if you do plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Returning from Greenhead

By Air

Nearest International Airports: Newcastle Airport or Edinburgh Airport

There are direct buses from Greenhead to Carlisle (journey time 45 min) or Newcastle (journey time 1 hour 50 min). Alternatively you can take a local bus or taxi to Haltwhistle from where there are also direct trains to Carlisle (journey time 35 min) or Newcastle (journey time 55 min). From Carlisle there are direct trains to Edinburgh (journey time 1 hour 20 min).

All airports run regular shuttle bus services to the city centres.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Haltwhistle

The closest train station to Greenhead is 10 minutes away in Haltwhistle. From here there are regular trains to Carlisle (journey time 35 min) or Newcastle (journey time 55 min) each of which are well connected to the rest of the UK.

By Car

Long term car parking in Greenhead is limited, so we recommend that you travel by public transport. However, if you do plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park in Greenhead for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the Pennine Way – Central.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Stay for an extra day of walking and tackle the two other major peaks in Yorkshire
Travel through the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells on the Settle-Carlisle Railway
Take a guided tour into the longest show cave in Britain at White Scar Cave

Hawes

Wander around England’s highest market town, which sits 850 feet above sea level
Visit Wensleydale Creamery and taste the famous Yorkshire cheese
Discover the fascinating story of the Yorkshire Dales at the Dales Countryside Museum

Middleton-in-Teesdale

Explore this picturesque small market town which sits on the banks of the River Tees
Take a short bus trip to visit Barnard Castle, where you could explore the charming ruins of Barnard Castle, perched above the River Tees, or wander around The Bowes Museum and browse through its spectacular art collection

Alston

Hop on the award-winning South Tynedale Railway, a narrow gauge railway that winds into the South Tyne Valley
Enjoy Alston’s local shops and cafes
Visit the Hub Heritage & Transport Museum, located in the former railway goods shed

Greenhead

Explore the historical sites along Hadrian’s Wall
Visit the 12th-century Thirlwall Castle, located on the banks of River Tipalt
Step into the life of a Roman soldier at the Roman Army Museum

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For more than 20 years, we’ve been weaving together unforgettable walking holidays amidst the enchanting landscapes of the British Isles. Dive deeper into how they work in our comprehensive guide. Read more

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