The Pennine Way

This book offers an intriguing portrait of Britain's first long-distance footpath.

It is a personal, thoughtful and often humorous story about our enduring relationship with a simple path, and why a demanding walking trail through the hills of northern England has been inspiring and tormenting walkers for over 50 years. As Andrew McCloy walks the route he discovers how the Pennine Way set a benchmark for personal challenge andadventure, and its unique place in the history of the outdoor access movement. Through his own journey, he learns that reconnecting with wild places and the unhurried rhythm of the long walk provides a much needed antidote to our busy modern age.

Above all, this is a book about Pennine Way people – from crusading ramblers to resourceful B&B landladies, hard working rangers to fanatical trail walkers. Their conversations and memories are woven into the narrative to give an account of the changing fortunes of the path and its special significance.

The book is an exploration of our desire for challenge and adventure, the stimulation of wild places and how a long journey on foot through our own country still resonates today. It will appeal to people who have walked or are preparing to walk the Pennine Way, as well as to those with an interest in the history and legacy of this iconic path.

Andrew McCloy

Andrew McCloy is a writer and journalist specialising in walking and the outdoors and has written or contributed to over 20 titles, from family and history rambles to exploring the British coast on foot. An experienced long-distance walker, he wrote the first ever guide to walking from Land’s End to John o’Groats. He’s a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, contributes to a variety of magazines and newspapers and is also a freelance access and recreation consultant. He was formerly Information Officer for the Ramblers’ Association and has variously worked for the Youth Hostels Association and Community Transport. Andrew is married with two daughters and lives in Derbyshire, where he is presently an elected member of the Peak District National Park Authority.