Trans-Pennine Way

Location: Lancashire, Yorkshire

OS Maps: Explorer 287, 297, 298, 299; Outdoor Leisure 21, 41

The Trans-Pennine Way is an outstanding long distance walk from Garstang in Lancashire to Ripon in Yorkshire by way of Bowland, the Ribble Valley, Pendle Hill, Bronte Country, Ilkley Moor, the Washburn Valley and Nidderdale. That's a pretty impressive list of spectacular walking country! Discover delightful walking from heather moorland to lush riverbank, featuring Beacon Fell, Longridge Fell, the River Hodder, Witch Country, Haworth, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Wharfdale and Brimham Rocks.

The Way was devised to traverse the full breadth of the Pennines, and while the mighty Pennine way takes an obvious and hugely inspiring course along the backbone of England, the Trans-Pennine Way lives up to its name by offering a route linking the western and eastern extremities of Pennine country. From the western limits of Bowland to the eastern slopes of Nidderedale this route, as a glance at a map will confirm, is one of the best that could have been devised. The route follows a mouth-watering roll-call of villages and fells, moors and dales: Beacon Fell, Chipping, Longdridge Fell, the River Ribble, Pendle Hill, Pinhaw Beacon, Haworth, Ilkley Moor, Pateley Bridge, Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey. Truly a sumptuous feast, and a hundred more gems are to be found in between. The first thing to be aware of is that just because the route is crossing the Pennines rather than following them, this doesn't mean there will only be a climb in the middle section of the walk. However, while each stage has it's fare share of ups and downs, the route is graded to ensure there are few major climbs. There are fine views into the Yorkshire Dales for much of the route, although it does not actually enter the National Park boundary. The Way also passes through the Forest of Bowland and Nidderdale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Guide Book: [Click for further information or to purchase]

Trans-Pennine Way by Paul Hannon. In seven well defined sections, this classic trek makes a memorable week's holiday. The guide provides clear route instructions and sketch maps, numerous illustrations and 16 full colour photographs. There is a wealth of background information to keep you fully informed about the places you pass through, thus making the journey even more interesting. This is one of the first great walks of the 21st century. The stages are Garstang to Chipping, Clitheroe, Earby, Haworth, Ilkley, Pateley Bridge and Ripon.