Steel River (walking the Tees & Pennines)
The Pennines stretch from the Peak District to the Cheviot Hills, forming the backbone of northern England.
These rolling hills and dramatic moors draw hikers, cyclists, and those looking for quiet escapes in wild country.
There’s much more to the Pennines than the sweeping views – think lively villages, rare wildlife, and history that runs deep in every stone wall.
Spectacular Walking and Hiking Trails
The Pennines offer hundreds of miles of footpaths and bridleways. The Pennine Way, England’s oldest national trail, runs for 268 miles through rugged moorland, deep dales and wind-carved summits.
Every step takes you through a landscape shaped by nature and history, passing ancient packhorse routes, dry-stone walls, and open moorland. These routes suit all levels, from relaxed strolls to multi-day walks for seasoned hikers.
Breathtaking Views and Open Spaces
Climb nearly any hill in the Pennines for sweeping views across green valleys, upland moors, and distant towns.
Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, offers a vast plateau with views reaching to Manchester and even Wales on clear days.
The sense of space and peace lingers long after you leave, making it a favourite spot for anyone craving open skies and unspoilt scenery.
Rich Wildlife and Rare Flora
The Pennines shelter rare birds like curlew, golden plover, and merlin. Moorland habitats burst into purple heather in late summer, creating a patchwork of colour.
Peat bogs, hay meadows, and ancient woodlands hide wildflowers and fungi found almost nowhere else in Britain.
Birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers will find something new in every season.
History Written in Stone
Stone circles, Roman roads and crumbling farmsteads dot the hills. Villages like Hebden Bridge and Haworth grew, leaving behind old mills and cobbled streets.
Hadrian’s Wall, at the northern edge of the Pennines, stands as a reminder of Roman power. Story lovers and history buffs can lose themselves wandering through these traces of the past.
Characterful Towns and Villages
The Pennines are home to charming market towns and quirky villages. Saddleworth, Settle, Alston, and Holmfirth each bring their own flavour, with stone cottages, lively markets, and cosy pubs.
Many villages celebrate local traditions with annual shows and brass bands, keeping the spirit of the place alive.
Cycling and Adventure Sports
Quiet lanes, steep climbs, and wild descents make the Pennines a firm favourite with road cyclists and mountain bikers. The Tour de Yorkshire and Tour of Britain often pass through these hills.
For water lovers, reservoirs and rivers offer wild swimming and kayaking. Climbing crags and gritstone edges test boulderers and trad climbers alike.
Iconic TV and Film Locations
The Pennines have been the stage for films and TV series including “Last of the Summer Wine,” “Happy Valley,” and “Wuthering Heights.”
The moody, open spaces and stone villages give a sense of drama and timelessness that draws directors again and again. Walking here often feels like stepping into the pages of a classic novel or onto a set.
Year-Round Beauty and Changing Seasons
Snow cloaks the hills in winter, heather blooms in late summer, and autumn turns the woods to gold. While summer brings walkers and picnickers, spring and autumn can offer quiet trails and rare wildlife.
Every season has a different character – there’s always a reason to return.
The Pennines are much more than a range of hills in northern England. They bring together wild landscapes, living history, rare wildlife, and vibrant communities.
Whether you’re walking the Pennine Way, watching curlews rise over moorland, or warming up in a pub after a muddy hike, the Pennines deliver something honest and unforgettable.
Next time you’re searching for real countryside with heart and soul, put the Pennines at the top of your list.
