The Northern Trek

The Northern Trek is an incredible long-distance journey of almost 901 km through some of the finest and most varied landscapes of Northern England and Scotland. From the rolling hills and dramatic limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales to the rugged Cheviots, the Scottish Borders, the Pentland Hills and the Highlands, this route offers a remarkable combination of mountains, valleys, reservoirs, canals, historic landmarks and beautiful coastal scenery.

Starting at Baslow in Derbyshire, the route crosses six of the famous Derbyshire Edges before reaching Edale and joining the Pennine Way. It then climbs Kinder Scout and continues across the wild landscapes of the South Pennines, passing Stoodley Pike before descending into Hebden Bridge. The route follows hilltop reservoirs and sections of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal before reaching Gargrave.

From Gargrave, the Northern Trek enters the Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing Janet's Foss and reaching Malham, where spectacular limestone landscapes include the world-famous Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. The route continues over Malham Moor to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Hawes, before travelling through beautiful Swaledale and Wensleydale. Along the way, it passes the Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub, High Force and High Cup Nick, before crossing Great Dun Fell to Alston.

From Alston, the route continues along the Pennine Way through some of England's wildest and most rugged countryside. It passes through Slaggyford and Knarsdale before reaching the historic Hadrian's Wall, the remarkable Roman frontier built around 1,900 years ago. Continuing through Wark Forest to Bellingham and Byrness, the trek enters the Cheviots and Northumberland National Park, crossing several summits and the Border Ridge before reaching Kirk Yetholm, the northern end of the Pennine Way.

Leaving the Pennine Way, the Northern Trek follows good footpaths through the Scottish Borders and along St Cuthbert's Way towards Melrose. The route crosses the Eildon Hills and follows the beautiful River Tweed, passing the Three Brethren before reaching the market town of Peebles. From here, the route climbs through the Pentland Hills, including West Kip and Scald Law, before reaching Allermuir Hill with wonderful views towards Edinburgh. The journey continues over Arthur's Seat, offering spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Palace.

The route then enters Edinburgh, Scotland's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Passing through the historic Old Town, Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle, the Northern Trek heads towards the Firth of Forth and joins the coastal path. It passes beneath the iconic Forth Bridge and continues through beautiful countryside with views of Blackness Castle and the Falkirk Wheel. This section also forms part of the John Muir Way, eventually reaching Milngavie, the starting point of the West Highland Way.

The final section follows the legendary West Highland Way, one of Scotland's most popular long-distance trails and an iconic part of the Northern Trek. The route begins with easier walking and spectacular views from Conic Hill across Loch Lomond before continuing through Bridge of Orchy and past Blackrock Cottage onto the vast and remote Rannoch Moor. From the Devil's Staircase, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views across Glencoe, with Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, appearing in the distance.

The final days from Kinlochleven to Fort William provide a fitting conclusion to this extraordinary journey. Combining famous long-distance trails, historic landmarks, dramatic mountains, peaceful valleys, beautiful waterways and Scotland's wild Highland landscapes, The Northern Trek is a truly memorable adventure across the very best of Northern England and Scotland.