GREAT MOUNTAIN DAYS IN THE PENNINES

An inspirational guidebook to 50 memorable expeditions throughout the Pennines, the iconic backbone of England. The exact area of the Pennines is difficult to define. In terms of this book they extend no further south than Mam Tor above Edale, and not much further north than Cross Fell, the highest summit of the Pennines, lying on the eastern edge of Cumbria. Within this area is an amazing, and often frustrating, succession of landscapes fashioned from river valleys, moorlands and upland peat bogs, and penned in by a host of cities, towns and villages to form an area that weaves a rich and interesting story of industrial development together with a strong cultural heritage.

These circular walks are all graded, making this guidebook equally suitable for first-time and more experienced walkers looking for new corners of the North Pennines, Howgills, Yorkshire Dales, South Pennines and Dark Peak.

Walks are graded in four ways:

Moderate: shorter walks without significant height gain; some occasional issues with route finding or terrain, but generally straightforward
Moderately demanding: devoid of serious hazard in good conditions, but requiring map-reading and compass skills; mainly, but not always, on clear paths
Demanding: similar to ‘strenuous’, but usually shorter or with less height gain, but still rugged, remote and energetic walks
Strenuous: lengthy, over rough and/or high ground, sometimes in remote locations; there may be long, rugged and/or trackless sections
This is the fourth title in the Cicerone Great Mountain Days series, which includes the Lake District, Snowdonia and Scotland.

Seasons
The Pennines can be tackled whatever the time of year, although the highest summits and the remote moors can be problematic in winter conditions or poor visibility
Centres
Walks are grouped into five areas: the North Pennines, the Howgills, the Yorkshire Dales, the South Pennines and the Dark Peak
Difficulty
Walks are graded from 'Moderate' to 'Strenuous' but unlike other mountainous areas where the ability to cope on rock and steep slopes is required, among the Pennines there also needs to be awareness of the deceptive nature of the landscapes, which, in spite of relative proximity to towns and cities, often feel remarkably remote; a sure grasp on navigational skills and self-protection is essential at all times
Must See
From the highest summits of the Pennines, to the seductive valleys of the Yorkshire Dales and the rugged landscapes of the South Pennines, this guide embraces all that is inspiring about the rolling Pennine landscapes