Map & Elevation
About this Route
The Pennine Way is a northbound linear National Trail from the Old Nag's Head in Edale to the Border Hotel at Kirk Yetholm. National Trails quotes 268 miles (431 km), but that total counts alternatives and optional lines; it says most end-to-end walkers cover nearer 253 miles. This uploaded main-route GPX records 412.7 km and 9,017 m of ascent, excluding the Bowes Loop, the High Cup Nick alternative, the Cheviot summit detour and duplicate finishing options. In other words, it maps the continuous journey rather than every route you might have walked had indecision become a mileage strategy.
Most walkers allow 16 to 19 days. The opening over Kinder Scout and Bleaklow is a blunt introduction, the middle of the trail threads together limestone country and Upper Teesdale, and the crossing from Dufton over Cross Fell is the hardest full stage: long, exposed and navigationally serious in cloud. Hadrian's Wall briefly provides a civilised handrail before the Way turns north into the Cheviots, where services largely disappear and the final crossing needs careful logistical planning.
The Way is signed, but not idiot-proof. Peat, flagstones, rough fell paths, road crossings and long treeless uplands all appear, sometimes before lunch. Weather can turn quickly, phone coverage is unreliable and the northern stages require self-sufficiency. Treat the GPX as a planning aid, carry current paper mapping and follow signed diversions. At the time of writing, Dryburn Bridge between Garrigill and Alston is closed after flood damage; National Trails directs walkers to an alternative on the north bank, with signs at either end but not throughout the diversion.
"Wanted: A Long Green Trail"
Tom Stephenson, Daily Herald (1935)
Route Waypoints
Start at the traditional trailhead beside the Old Nag's Head. The route climbs by Jacob's Ladder onto Kinder Scout, crosses the peat and flagstones of Bleaklow and drops to Crowden. Carry a full day's food: the Pennine Way does not spend its opening morning easing you into the concept.
A common first overnight stop with limited facilities. The next leg climbs past Laddow Rocks and crosses Black Hill before following the Wessenden reservoirs to Standedge; navigation is easier than on Bleaklow, but the weather has not signed any such agreement.
Reach the valley after Blackstone Edge, reservoir tracks and Stoodley Pike. Hebden Bridge and nearby settlements make this a useful resupply point before the route returns to high moorland, Ponden and the gradual transition into the Yorkshire Dales.
A major accommodation and resupply stop in limestone country. North of the village the Way passes Malham Cove and Malham Tarn, then crosses Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent before descending to Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
Another practical place for food, beds and a rest day. The trail arrives from Horton via Cam High Road, then heads over Great Shunner Fell to Thwaite, Keld and Tan Hill. The walking is broad and exposed, with the pub appearing at exactly the point morale begins negotiating.
Arrive after Tan Hill, Sleightholme Moor, the main line near Bowes and the reservoirs of Baldersdale. The following stage traces the River Tees past High Force, negotiates the rocky side of Cauldron Snout and crosses open moor to Dufton.
Base for the route's most serious full day. The Way climbs Knock Fell, Great Dun Fell and Cross Fell, the trail high point at about 893 m, before descending by Greg's Hut and Garrigill to Alston. In poor visibility this is a navigation problem with weather attached.
Stock up before following the South Tyne towards Greenhead. Dryburn Bridge between Garrigill and Alston is currently closed after flood damage: use the signed north-bank alternative and do not assume the GPX overrides notices on the ground.
Join Hadrian's Wall and follow it east for roughly eight miles, taking in short, sharp rises that Roman engineering did not see fit to flatten. The Pennine Way then leaves the Wall and turns north through quieter country towards Bellingham.
The last substantial resupply point before the Cheviots. Forest tracks and open moor lead to Byrness; beyond that, shops and convenient exits become scarce, so buy what you need rather than hoping the hills have quietly installed a café.
Plan the final Cheviot crossing before leaving. The remaining distance is remote and often split with pre-arranged transport near Windy Gyle; it is a landmark, not a village with several charming B&Bs. Emergency shelters are for emergencies, not advance bookings.
Finish at the Border Hotel after the long Cheviot ridge and the descent into Kirk Yetholm. This GPX keeps to the continuous main alignment and omits the optional out-and-back to the Cheviot summit, so add that detour only with time, weather and legs to spare.
Essential Tips
That is the usual full-route range given by National Trails. Crowden, Standedge, Tan Hill and Byrness have limited beds or supplies, so book awkward stops first and build the rest of the itinerary around them.
The route crosses OS Explorer OL1, OL21, OL2, OL30, OL19, OL31, OL43, OL42 and OL16. Kinder, Bleaklow, Cross Fell and the Cheviots all justify a map and compass even when the GPX and phone appear unusually confident.
National Trails publishes 268 miles (431 km), including alternatives and optional lines, while saying most end-to-end walkers cover nearer 253 miles. This main-route GPX records 412.7 km and excludes the Bowes Loop, High Cup Nick alternative, Cheviot summit detour and duplicate finish options.
Cross Fell and the Cheviots are exposed, phone coverage is patchy and the final stages have few services. Carry food and water appropriate to the day, check National Trails notices, and follow the current Dryburn Bridge diversion rather than the historic line in the GPX.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this Pennine Way GPX route?
This main-route GPX records 412.7 km and 9,017 m of ascent. National Trails' 268-mile (431 km) figure counts alternatives and optional lines; it says most end-to-end walkers cover nearer 253 miles.
How long does the full Pennine Way take?
Most walkers allow 16 to 19 days. The 97 hr 34 min shown here is a GPX-based continuous walking estimate without overnight stops, food stops or the entirely reasonable desire to sit down.
Are there current diversions on the Pennine Way?
Yes. Dryburn Bridge between Garrigill and Alston is closed after flood damage. Follow the National Trails north-bank alternative and on-site signs; the diversion itself is not fully signposted.