Pennine Bridleway

The Pennine Bridleway was developed as an off-road multi-user route that runs parallel to the Pennine Way but at lower levels, using historic bridleways, green lanes and packhorse tracks that cross-country travellers used for centuries before turnpike roads. For trail runners it offers a more runnable alternative to the Way's demanding moorland, on surfaces that are generally firmer and better defined.

The route crosses the Dark Peak, the South Pennines (Calderdale), the Yorkshire Dales and the Howgill Fells to its northern terminus near Shap. The Mary Towneley Loop — a 60 km circular section in the South Pennines — is one of the best multi-day circuits in northern England for off-road running.

Most runners cover the full trail in four to seven days. The route is well-waymarked and maintained to a high standard.

Middleton Top to Hayfield (~100 km): Through the Dark Peak on historic packhorse trails. Better surfaces than the Pennine Way's peat plateau.

Mary Towneley Loop, South Pennines (~60 km circular): A flagship section — high moorland above Calderdale linking Rochdale, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. Outstanding.

Calderdale to Settle (~80 km): Through the Yorkshire Dales approaches, linking with the Three Peaks area.

Settle to Ravenstonedale (~90 km): The Howgill Fells and the upper Eden valley to the northern terminus.

Start: Middleton Top visitor centre, near Matlock. Rail to Matlock (Derby line), then bus.

Finish: Ravenstonedale, Cumbria. Bus to Kirkby Stephen; train from Kirkby Stephen (Settle–Carlisle line).

Best time: Year-round for the bridleway surfaces, which drain better than fell paths. The high sections are best May to October.