The Pennine Bridleway: Hostels and Bunkhouses

Pennine Bridleway

The Pennine Bridleway is a 205 mile (330 Km) long National Trail running through the Pennines.  It stretches from Derbyshire to Cumbria. This relatively new route was officially opened in 2012 by Martin Clunes.  Specifically designed for mountain bikers and horse riders. It is of course also perfect for walkers.

The Pennine Bridleway follows a variety of surfaces including minor roads, aggregate tracks, grassed stone tracks, stone setts and worn flags. While some of these have been newly created specifically for the Pennine Bridleway others are drovers’ roads or packhorse trails that have been in use for centuries.

The route takes you through a wonderful variety of landscapes from open moorland to steep-sided wooded river valleys.  It passes thorough both the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.  You will pass a number of reservoirs which bring another dimension to the route. These were originally constructed to service the canals and the needs of the developing industrial cities of the north. More interest is provided by the evidence of the industrial heritage of the South Pennines.  You will see derelict mills, dismantled railways, soot blackened gritstone walls and tall ivy-covered chimneys.  It’s a route of contrast. It’s an adventure and a challenge and brings a great sense of achievement to those that complete it.  For more details see the Pennine Bridleway’s own website.

All along the route there are a selection of independent hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns offering low cost overnight accommodation.  Many have secure bike storage and drying rooms provide or hire out bed linen.  Some provide breakfast and evening meals, others will point you in the direction of local shops and pubs.  Read each hostel’s feature to be sure they are suitable for you.

Photos kindly supplied by the Pennine National Trails Partnership and Earby Hostel