A whopping 247 miles, The Pennine Journey is a trail not for the feint of heart. Aimed to be tackled in around 18 days you’ll get to know the Pennines very well by the end of your trip. The Circular walk was inspired by the journey of Alfred Wainwright who devised a similar route to reach Hadrian’s wall.
Pennine Journey
The Old Shippon, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Settle, North Yorkshire. BD24 0JE
Hawks Barn offers luxury accommodation for up to 6 people on the edge of Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With easy access to an astounding number of walking, cycling and mountain biking routes, be sure to book well in advance. The Dales Way, The Dales Highway, The Pennine Way, The Pennine Journey and The Pennine Bridleway all pass close by. Base yourself at the barn to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks or plan to stop-over while you follow The Great North Trail or the Land's End to John o'Groats walking and cycling routes. With fully made-up beds, a drying room, a secure bike shed and the option of being catered for...it really is the perfect place for adventurers to stay.
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Horton in Ribblesdale, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 0HB
Situated in Horton in Ribblesdale, the 3 Peaks Bunkbarns are perfect for walking on the Pennine Way and the 3 Peaks.The main barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 8. The second barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 6, with en-suite shower rooms. Both have a kitchen/dining room.
Ye Olde Village Sweet Shoppe, 5 Main Street, Ingleton.Yorkshire. LA6 3EB
A cosy, 4-bed, mini-bunkhouse situated in the centre of Ingelton in the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, it's the perfect base for walking. The Three Peak Challenge and a number of long distance routes are on the doorstep. The area also boasts superb climbing, caving, cycling and mountain biking. Dogs are welcome. Bedding & towels are provided.
Greta Tower, Sammy Lane, Ingleton, North Yorkshire, LA6 3EG
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by magnificent countryside with caves, waterfalls and mountains, Ingleton is dominated by Ingleborough, the best known of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (this is a great base for The Challenge). Known for its walking routes and waterfall trail, the area has plenty for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and cavers. Licensed and serving tasty meals there is also a self-catering kitchen. Perfect for families and school trips.
Hawes Road, Chapel le Dale, Ingleton, LA6 3AR
Situated near Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales, on the Yorkshire Three Peaks route, The Old School Bunkhouse sleeps up to 26. It has a comfortable lounge, with TV, DVD & WiFi, a large kitchen diner, 4 bathrooms & a drying room with washing machine. Outside is parking for 12 cars and great views of Ingleborough and Whernside. The pub over the road is ideal for that celebratory drink.
Broadrake, Chapel-le-Dale, Ingleton, LA6 3AX
Broadrake Bunkbarn offers direct access to the Three Peaks Challenge Walk which can be started from the door. It is an ideal stopover on the Pennine Journey or Dales High Way. This popular accommodation for 20 has an upstairs open-plan living space with excellent self-catering & communal facilities. Perfect for extended family reunions, cyclists, cavers and dark sky enthusiasts. Individuals, couples and small groups welcome mid-week.
Murthwaite, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4LP
Stay Howgills has so much to offer walkers or mountain bikers. Tucked away in Ravonstonedale in the northern part of the Yorkshire Dales there are numerous walking and mountain biking routes close by. In fact Wainwright's Pennine Journey literally passes the front door. A former stone barn, the accommodation has been carefully planned with guests comfort at the heart of the decision making. Underfloor heating, comfy sofas, a laundry, super fast fibre broadband await you after a day's activity. Outside there's a garden, patio, seating, a firepit, hammock and BBQ, plus ample parking and a secure bike shed. What more could you ask for??
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Market Street, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4QQ
Former Methodist Church with a range of accommodation for individuals, families and groups amongst beautiful authentic features; stained glass, arches and panels. There’s a large dining room & kitchen and a quiet lounge in the gallery. Kirkby Stephen is a market town in the upper Eden Valley. On Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path with easy access to the Pennine Journey, the W2W cycle route, the Howgill Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
Garrigill Village Hall, Garrigill, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3DS
Perfect for the Pennine Way or C2C cycle route. In the lovely village of Garrigill, the bunkroom above the village hall sleeps 8 with bedding hire available. Larger groups can BYO bedding and use the hall itself where 12 camp beds are available. There is free WiFi, a well equipped kitchen, showers and drying room. It makes the ideal long distance walk/C2C stop over.
The Firs, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RW
This is how far you need to step off the path to stay and rest your weary legs at Alston Youth Hostel!
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Greenhead Hotel, Greenhead, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7HG
Situated in the village of Greenhead on both the Pennine Way & Hadrianâs Wall, this bunkhouse is ideal for walkers or for exploring the Roman heritage sites. It has a self-catering kitchen big enough for large groups. Book by the bed, the room or for sole use. Run by Greenhead Hotel just over the road with an award winning food, it is the perfect place to stop for the night & treat yourself to a meal. Our hostel has 6 dorms (6 & 8 bed) & a few private rooms. All with shared bathroom facilities. Book a bed within a dorm or a private room!
Gibbs Hill Farm, Bardon Mill, Nr Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7AP
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel is on a working hill farm near Once Brewed and Hadrian’s Wall and close to the Pennine Way. Designed to reduce energy consumption it is centrally heated throughout. Comprising 3 bunkrooms, 2 shower rooms, 2 toilets, a well equipped kitchen, a comfortable communal area and a large deck where you can enjoy the evening sun. Ideal for families who can book a whole room with private facilities. Study groups welcome. Self catering only.
Greencarts Farm, Humshaugh, Northumberland. NE46 4BW
Greencarts Bunkhouses & Camping are on a working farm in Northumberland National Park. Right next to Hadrian’s Wall, they are perfect for walkers or cyclists. There are two accommodation units: The Bunkhouse sleeps 10 in two rooms, while the Barn sleeps 13 in one open plan room. All bedding is provided and continental breakfast is available. There is also a large campsite.
The Stanegate, Newbrough, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 5AR
In the centre of the village of Newbrough, this community run bunkhouse sleeps 22 across 3 dorms. Facilities include
2 shower/WC rooms, 2 sink areas & a small equipped kitchen. A large communal area is available to groups by arrangement. With footpaths leading directly to Hadrian’s Wall, approx 3 km away, it is popular with walkers. While for cyclists the Sandstone Way & Hadrian’s Cycleway pass right by.
Low House, Edmundbyers, Consett, Durham, DH8 9NL
Edmunbyers hostel lies in moorland, close to the Northumberland/County Durham boundary, with fine views. It’s just two miles from Derwent Reservoir, for sailing & fishing. Ideal for walking holidays, it’s also on the C2C cycle route & is close to Hadrian’s Wall & Beamish outdoor museum. Cosy & comfortable with optional home cooked evening meals & breakfasts.
Barrington Cottage, Rookhope, Weardale, Co. Durham, DL13 2BG
Situated in the peaceful village of Rookhope, in Weardale, Barrington Bunkhouse accommodates 15 people. There’s room for 13 in the bunkhouse, whilst the adjacent caravan sleeps two. Camping space is also available.
The kitchen is equipped with two toasters, a kettle, a microwave, electric hob and a fridge. Ideal for cyclists, walkers and family groups. Dogs by arrangement. A warm welcome awaits.
Station Road, Askrigg, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3HZ
Low Mill Outdoor Centre, a not-for-profit charity, lies on the edge of the pretty village of Askrigg in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales.With good access to many walks, cycle routes, rivers, climbs and caves it is the perfect base for all types of groups; schools, clubs and friend & family get-togethers.
Burtersett Road, Hawes, North Yorks, DL8 3NP
Situated in the market town of Hawes in Wensleydale, Chapel Gallery Bunkhouse offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests. Book a bed in a dorm, a private room (sleeps 5) or the whole bunkhouse.With The Pennine Way on the doorstep, and easy access to footpaths, bridleways as well as the famous Yorkshire 3 Peaks, the bunkhouse is perfect for walkers, cyclists and runners.
Gilsland, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 7DB
Slack House Farm is an organic dairy farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It is on the NCN 72 cycle trail and close to Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunk-barn has 3 en suite bedrooms of 3,5 and 8 beds. A wood pellet-fired stove gives a warm heart to the kitchen/lounge and provides under-floor heating throughout the barn.Book a bed, a private room or sole use of the whole bunkhouse.
The Pennine Journey takes place in some of the most stunning scenery in Northern England. It was inspired by the walks of Sir Alfred Wainwright who loved walking this part of the country. It takes you through the Yorkshire Dales, County Durham, and along the world-famous Hadrians Wall. The walk has everything, scenery, history, challenge, and lots of amazing Independent Hotels and Bunkhouses along the route.
The route of the Pennine Journey Most commonly walkers begin in Settle and make their way up through limestone territory, drinking in the Yorkshire peaks. Moving over the wonderful Yorkshire Dales before reaching the moors of County Durham.
Then it is just a little way longer to the goal for Alfred Wainwright’s original walk, Hadrian’s Wall. Walking west for 21 miles you’ll be able to take in some of the sheer scale of this world heritage site. Greenhead is the last stop before heading back down the western side of the Pennines ambling on to Alston there’s lots of opportunity to stop in some wonderful accommodation. Soon after Alston the route reaches its peak as it crosses just below the highest point in the Pennines ( Cross Fell).
From here the walking eases up with a lovely stretch of downhill through the ever gorgeous Eden Valley, moving on to just edging round the Howgills and then back to Settle. Not a bad 247 miles! Throughout the journey, you’re spoilt for choice of lovely hostels to stay in. Picturesque locations and warm welcomes are a given.
Another perk of walking this route is that you will actively be supporting the creation of a new national trail! The people behind the trail have the goal of getting it recognised and by getting out on the trail you’re doing just that.