What’s Not to Like? Rethinking the Pennine Way

Failed to add items

Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping cart is already at capacity.

Add to basket failed.

Please try again later

Add to wishlist failed.

Please try again later

Remove from wishlist failed.

Please try again later

Adding to library failed

Please try again

Follow podcast failed

Unfollow podcast failed

What’s Not to Like? Rethinking the Pennine Way

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob speaks to Jon Barton, founder of Vertebrate Publishing, about walking — and running — the Pennine Way.

They explore why the Pennine Way divides opinion, what the early sections across Kinder and Bleaklow are really like, and why places such as High Cup Nick, Upper Teesdale, Cross Fell and the Cheviots leave such a strong impression.

Jon reflects on:

Growing up visiting Swaledale and Upper Teesdale
How childhood landscapes shaped his wanderlust
Experiencing the Pennine Way through the Spine events
The reality of “boggy” sections and bleak reputations
Wildlife encounters — curlews, golden plover, roe deer
Limestone country around Malham
The strange surreal feeling of walking through busy places after days on the moor
Why motivation matters more than raw fitness

They also discuss practical considerations — kit familiarity, pacing, and whether the Pennine Way should be your first long-distance trail.

No reviews yet