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.
1a. Leek to Buxton
A great southern start to A Pennine Odyssey from Leek, through stunning scenery and wild moorland, on the way to Buxton Opera House.
1b. Ashbourne to Buxton
A longer beginning to A Pennine Odyssey following the Tissington Trail and the River Dove through stunning dales to Buxton Opera House.
2. Buxton to Edale
A wander through Peak District fields and dales to Castleton and up and over Hollins Cross to reach Edale on the edge of Kinder Scout.
3. Edale to Mankinholes
A wild route over Win Hill, alongside Ladybower Reservoir and through the Dark Peak to Jackson Bridge and Marsden passing many reservoirs to Mankinholes.
4. Mankinholes to Kettlewell
From the moors of West Yorkshire to the Yorkshire Dales National Park passing Janet’s Foss and Malham Cove to Kettlewell.
5. Kettlewell to Tan Hill
Entirely within the Yorkshire Dales National Park this remote section passes over Buckden Pike to Worton, Gunnerside and Stoneside Moor on the way to Tan Hill.
6. Tan Hill to Rushymea
Entirely within the North Pennines National Landscape this section crosses moors, follows the River Tees past High Force then crosses more open country to Rushymea.
7. Rushymea to Hartside Cross
Remaining in the North Pennines this section crosses the Upper Teesdale Nature Reserve, circles to Dufton, then over Great Dun Fell to Hartside Cross.
8. Hartside Cross to Housesteads
A wild, cross country section over Black Fell and Geltsdale Nature Reserve to Hallbankgate, then on to Vercovicivm Fort at Hardrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park.
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.