A spectacular new long-distance trail is inviting walkers to stride across the roof of England. The 188-mile Roof of England Walk, launched in September, carves a path through the unsung and dramatic landscapes of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A Trail Designed for Discovery
Developed by the North Pennines National Landscape team, the route aims to showcase a region often overlooked by visitors. Starting and ending in Appleby-in-Westmorland, the walk loops through the moors, meadows, and riverbanks of County Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland, also touching a corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its 14 distinct legs are designed to function as individual day walks or be linked for a multi-day expedition, with most stages concluding in a town or village offering accommodation.
"It's a blank on the map for a lot of people, a huge area between Hadrian's Wall and the Yorkshire Dales that they don't really know," explains Shane Harris, the project lead. He emphasises that the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark rich in history, and the walk is about introducing more people to its vibrant landscape.
Walking on the Top of the World
On a blustery day high on Langley Common, walkers can trace the line of the Maiden Way, potentially Britain's highest Roman road, with the sky feeling intensely close. The route incorporates some of the area's most beloved features, including the thunderous High Force waterfall, the summit of Cross Fell, the dramatic glacial valley of High Cup Nick, the mysterious Nine Standards cairns, and a stop at England's highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn.
A 50-mile test section from Alston in Cumbria to Edmundbyers in County Durham reveals the trail's variety. From Alston, England's highest market town, the path follows the Pennine Way onto exposed moorland before dropping into sheltered river valleys. Walkers pass the embankments of the Roman fort at Epiacum and the gothic silhouette of Featherstone Castle, eventually reaching the walker-friendly haven of Haltwhistle.
Golden Forests and Dark Sky Villages
The trail weaves through stunning autumnal scenery, such as the Allen Banks woodland gorge in Northumberland, a National Trust site where the foliage turns to bronze, copper, and gold. Beyond the former lead mining town of Allendale, the route climbs through Slaley Forest, home to red squirrels, and onto the wind-scrubbed heather of Blanchland Moor.
The journey culminates in picturesque villages like Blanchland, built from the remains of a medieval abbey. With its plum-painted doors and the historic Lord Crewe Arms hotel, it feels like a step back in time. The village also boasts some of the darkest skies in the country, offering spectacular stargazing on clear nights. The final leg to Edmundbyers rewards with sweeping 360-degree views over moorland, a fitting end to a walk that encourages looking up at the ever-changing skyscape on the roof of England.
The walk was organised by the North Pennines National Landscape team. Further information and route planning can be found at roofofenglandwalk.org.uk.
