罢丑别听, England鈥檚 first national trail, turns 50 this year. Even if it鈥檚 literally over the hill, the 268-mile route of rolling terrain is as popular as ever, especially this weekend. July 12 marks the annual , during which new coins are released onto the country鈥檚 15 national trails and followed throughout the summer.
Even if you aren鈥檛聽a geocacher, the Pennine Way is worth a hike. After all, it聽offers some of the best upland walking in country as it travels from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders region along the Pennines and through the fells, or treeless high ground often used for grazing. It passes through three national parks, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and two national nature reserves. The trail provides聽easy聽rambling with elevations never topping 3,000 feet and pubs about every 20 miles.
Non-Brits may be surprised that even wild areas in the national parks are farmed, says Steven Westwood, Pennine Way trail manager. Some trail sections are more pastoral than rugged, but the passage through the remote Cheviot, traversed during the final two days of the way as it approaches Scotland, features big hills, sweeping vistas, and few people鈥攊t鈥檚 also Westwood鈥檚 favorite place along the path.
Most trekkers complete the trail in 16 to 19 days鈥攁 totally realistic goal if you鈥檙e in any kind of shape. In 1989, Mike Hartley set the trail record, running its length in 2 days, 17 hours, 20 minutes, and 15 seconds. Hartley forewent sleep but did stop for two 18-minute breaks鈥攐nce for fish and chips.
For travelers not tackling the whole route, Westwood recommends a weekend hike of the Gargrave to Horton section through the聽. For weeklong trips, he recommends trekking from Middleton in Teesdale to聽,聽a UNESCO World Heritage Site with preserved Roman forts. The weeklong route features the way鈥檚 biggest waterfall, highest point, and best flora.
Primitive, or wild, camping is illegal in England, though there is a tradition of backpackers doing so anyway. A handful of designated campsites and even more B&Bs are along the route, creating a mix of accommodations. If you decide to take the luxury route,聽聽for you from point to point. Prime hiking season is May to September.
Take note: Biking is forbidden on the Pennine Way, but聽聽is purpose-built for cyclists and equestrians.