The Pennines

The Pennines are a low rising mountain rage which runs through northern England and southern Scotland. The mountain range often referred to as the ‘backbone of England' separates the North West of England from Yorkshire and the North East.

The range runs from the Peak District in Derbyshire through the Yorkshire Dales, around Manchester, through Lancashire and Cumbria and up to the English and Scottish boarders.

One of the most popular attractions of this beautiful part of England is the Pennine Way, a nature trail which runs for an incredible 267 miles. The trail is ideal for distance and day walkers as it offers a variety of different terrain as well as some truly stunning scenery and cultural and historical landmarks.

Some of the landmarks that can be seen along the trail include the site of the mass trespasses of the 30s at Kinder Scout, the cradle of the Industrial Revolution in the south Pennines, Haworth the home of the Bronte sisters and all the way up to the ancient Roman Wall dividing England and Scotland.

Every year hundreds of thousands of people walk either part of or the entire trail. While this has boosted the local economy by millions of pounds and introduced many to the beauty of the area it has lead to some erosion of terrain in places. This has lead to local authorities laying huge sections of paths to not only protect the landscape but also provide a better walking surface for walkers.

The idea of the Pennine Way was that of journalist and hiker Tom Stephenson who got his inspiration from similar trails in the US. The idea was first mooted in 1395 and was later lobbied in Parliament. The final section of the trail was officially opened in 1965.

The Northern Pennines is one of the most popular regions of the mountain range and has been designated an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The region is charicterised by open heather moorland and peatland, beautiful dales and meadows, roaring upland rivers, lush green woodland, a rich history and a whole variety of animal and birdlife.

Throughout the Pennines there are many more great things to see and do.

This article was written on behalf of Titanic Spa Yorkshire who provide relaxing and invigorating treatments on the edge of the Pennines ideal for a Spa Break.