Pennine Way Turns 50

© milus

On Friday 24th April Britain's oldest National Trail celebrates its half century. Since it opened in 1965 the 268 mile route along the hilly backbone of northern England has been walked by tens of thousands, and it's still considered one of the best and toughest of all long distance paths.

Ingleborough from near the summit of Whernside - New Years Eve 2008  © milus
Ingleborough from near the summit of Whernside - New Years Eve 2008
© milus, Dec 2008

The Pennine Way, which links Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish flank of The Cheviots, was officially opened at Malham Cove in the presence - among others - of Tom Stephenson, the writer whose 30-year dream of a trail running the length of the Pennines inspired its creation.

This year's anniversary coincides with the setting up of a new partnership to coordinate the management of the entire length of both the Pennine Way and the 205-mile Pennine Bridleway. Led by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority with support from other key local bodies, the partnership will oversee budgets, route maintenance and path upgrade work.

On Saturday 25 April the 50th anniversary is being marked by a mass 'Walk the Way in a Day' event, where people can choose from 50 circular walks that between them cover the entire Pennine Way (see UKH news here).

The BBC is currently screening a series of four programmes about the trail, while BBC Radio 4 will shortly be broadcasting a three-part series on musicians, poets and storytellers associated with the Pennine Way.

Details of other events being held to mark the anniversary can be found on the National Trails website.

 


This post has been read 1,687 times

Return to Latest News

Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email