Trailblazer Guide Books

Trailblazer guidebooks provide practical information on specific routes… in less accessible parts of the world.
 - Wanderlust

ITINERARIES

All walkers are individuals. Some like to cover large distances as quickly as possible, others like to stroll along and stop frequently. (Indeed this natural variation in pace is what causes most friction in groups.) You may want to walk the Pennine Way all in one go, tackle it over a series of weekends, or use the trail for linear day walks; the choice is yours. To accommodate these differences this book has not been divided up into rigid daily stages, though many will use it that way.

Instead, it’s been designed to make it easy for you to plan your own
optimal itinerary.

The planning map (see inside back cover) and table of village/ town
facilities (see pp28-31) summarise the essential information. Alternatively, have
a look at the suggested itineraries (pp32-4) and choose your preferred type of
accommodation and pace. There are also suggestions (see pp34-6) for those
who want to experience the best of the trail over a day or a weekend. The public
transport maps and service table (pp45-50) will also be useful.

Having made a rough plan, turn to Part 4,
where you will find summaries of the route; full
descriptions of the accommodation, suggestions
for where to eat and information about other
services in each village and town; as well as the
detailed trail maps.

Most people walk the Pennine Way south to
north. There are practical reasons for this; the
prevailing south-westerly wind and rain are behind you, as is the sun. Head
north–south if you want a better face tan! The maps in Part 4 give timings for
both directions and, as route-finding instructions are on the maps rather than in
blocks of text, it ought to be straightforward using this guide back to front.
Most people walk the Pennine Way south to north... the prevailing
south-westerly wind and rain are behind you, as is the sun.