The Pennine Way - the Path, the People, the Journey

by Andrew McCloy

This book presents a portrait of the Pennine Way, Britain's oldest and best known long-distance footpath, tracing its remarkable history through the experiences of walkers past and present. As Andrew McCloy walks the 268-mile route from the Derbyshire Peak District to the Scottish borders, he discovers how the Pennine Way set a benchmark for personal challenge and adventure and how reconnecting with wild places and the unhurried rhythm of the long walk continue to provide a much-needed antidote to our busy modern age.

The resilience of the long distance walker is mirrored in the path's fascinating history: the initial struggle for access, battles to tame the bogs, later challenges of path erosion and the fluctuating circumstances of the rural hostel. Above all else however 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.

Personal, thoughtful and often humorous, The Pennine Way - the Path, the People, the Journey 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Walking

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2016

Reviews

[Clare Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I had found that tackling the Pennine Way meets a very basic desire that we have for personal challenge, fulfillment and self-understanding - getting to know who we really are, what we're about and how far we can go." A great addition to the guidebook, with lots more history and introspection into the Way and the people who walk it. Particularly enjoyed the section on returning limestone taken from the Pennines to build mills as flagstones to help guard against erosion.

[Peter Birbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, eclectic and inspiring.

The author infuses his account of walking the entire route with fascinating material about The Pennine Way. I learned much about its history, the people who helped create the way, it's development and on going maintenance. This book celebrates the Way, rightfully, and fittingly as a league leader amongst the plethora of UK walking routes. An essential read.

[mr n greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories

For some bizarre reason I decided to buy this book, as I had walked 'The Pennine Way' in 2006. It brought all the memories back, both good and bad, and actually stirred to me into thinking of doing it again. If you are thinking of walking the way, this is the book to read, (obviously after Wainwright's), totally inspiring. Thank You Andrew again for the memories.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this expecting more of a traditional trail guide, but ended up pleased with the different outcome. More historical and sociological essay, there was still enough trail detail to satisfy a rough inquiry. It isn’t meant to take the place of a route map, but I appreciated the candid (and not always positive) account of the author’s first through-hike of the trail at the age of 50.

[Kharis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good but the historical stuff was a bit heavy and repetitive for me. I'd have liked to have read more about the authors own journey and experiences but these seemed relatively brief compared to lots of historical flashback. Still, a good and inspiring read.