A Pennine Odyssey

A Purely Pennine Way

An absolutely stunning 273 mile journey along the full length of the Pennines. Beginning at either Leek in Staffordshire or Ashbourne in Derbyshire this walk stretches along the backbone of England from the North Midlands to Northumberland. It passes through the Peak District National Park, the moorlands of West Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the North Pennines National Landscape and reaches the southern edge of Northumberland National Park at Hadrian’s Wall.

More than a guidebook

As well as detailing the epic Pennine Odyssey trail the guidebook fondly records conversations between the author – the highly accomplished long distance walk creator – Ron Scholes and his friend Alfred Wainwright. Alongside the Pennine Odyssey the book shows the workings behind the Pennine Way and the contributions of, and friendships between, the creator and others who provided notes about the conditions and navigational features along the route.

In the guidebook Ron describes how Wainwright’s work was of great importance to mountaineers and hill walkers and how his sketches, descriptions and pithy humour made for his books to be a great read. Also how Wainwright was keen to support the projects of others with his trademark pen drawings and advice. The Pennine Odyssey came about largely from a conversation between Ron and Wainwright during a visit to the Roaches.

Ron also describes Wainwright’s comments on Ron’s alternative Coast to Coast walk, the Ravenber Way – even how he encouraged Ron to consider a better title than ‘A Walk Across Northern England.’

If you are a fan of Wainwright, Ron, the Pennine Way – the first National Trail – or the early guide books then the opening chapters of A Pennine Odyssey will be an enjoyable read. The book includes many treasures – OS maps annotated by Wainwright and his helpers, letters, draft manuscripts, sketches and pictures. 

And of course the guidebook fully describes in meticulous detail and – as we have come to enjoy from Ron’s guides – the descriptions of the topography, geology and history of the areas the route passes through are enjoyable and interesting – even for those not intending to walk the route.

The route

Download file for GPS

About Ron Scholes

Ron Scholes is an accomplished long distance walker, route setter, author, retired Headteacher, and a former walks leader for the Youth Hotels Association. He delivers illustrated talks about his walks and has been a regular contributor to countryside programmes for BBC local radio, and to the Yorkshire Journal and Outdoor Pursuits magazine. As well as creating the Pennine Odyssey and the Ravenber Way, Ron set a route from Cape Wrath, on the northern coast of the Scottish Highlands, to Land’s End in Cornwall which he walked solo.

Books by Ron Scholes

Please walk safely

Walking is a fantastic pastime, but you do so at your own risk. This website and the guidebook aim to assist you in creating your Pennine Odyssey route, they are not a substitute for proper planning and preparation. Walking in mountainous or remote areas can be dangerous. You are responsible for your own safety and for taking appropriate precautions. We are not responsible for the quality and accuracy of websites that we link to. Do not use the maps on this website to navigate. Please check and study any .gpx files before embarking on the route.

Contact us: hello@pennineodyssey.uk

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