Pennine Way, North (Dufton to Kirk Yetholm)
Total distance covered; 98 miles (157kms)
7 days walking based in Hexham
Hexham our base for the northern section of the Pennine Way, has a long history. Having occupied a strategically important location close to Hadrian’s Wall during the period of Roman occupation it rose to greater importance when, in 674AD, a priory was built on the site now occupied by Hexham Abbey. Contemporary writings describe the priory as being the finest this side of the Alps. All that now remains of that priory is the Anglo-Saxon crypt - the finest still in existence - which was built using stones taken from the Roman fort at Corbridge. The present day abbey has a wealth of Norman and Medieval architecture, and artifacts within the abbey include a Roman gravestone and a stone chair which dates from the time that the first priory was established.
Outside of the abbey there are many fine old buildings, and a weekly livestock market has been held in the square beside the abbey for nearly 1,400 years. Hexham has a wide variety of interesting shops, and there are hotels, restaurants inns and takeaways offering food in the evening. It has a number of shops where one can purchase the makings of a packed lunch.
The daily meeting point in Hexham is beside the tourist information displays (close to the Wentworth Café) in the main carpark in Hexham.
Accommodation; There is a variety of accommodation available in Hexham and the surrounding area, and details can be found on the following websites:
- www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/plan-your-trip/accommodation
- www.visithadrianswall.co.uk/accommodation
- www.visitnorthumberland.com/where-to-stay
- www.visithexham.net
- www.caravanclub.co.uk
- www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Alternatively, an accommodation guide can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre in Hexham, whose contact details are as follows:
Hexham Tourist Information Centre, The Library, Queen's Hall, Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland. NE46 3LS
Tel: 01670 620450
Website: www.visitnorthumberland.com/hexham
How to reach Hexham by public transport; Hexham has a railway station located on the cross-country line which runs between the mainline stations of Carlisle to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. National Express run a frequent service to Newcastle and from Newcastle there are frequent local buses to Hexham. Times for local buses between Newcastle and Hexham can be obtained from Hexham Tourist Information Centre.
If you are completing more than one section of the Pennine Way the dates allow for a full day (the Saturday) to make the transfer from Hebden Bridge to Hawes and/or Hawes to Hexham. For the convenience of guests without their own means of conveyance, who would prefer not to use public transport, there will be a minibus transfer available at a cost of £30 per passenger, per transfer.
General information on the area can be found on the following websites:
- www.visitbritain.com
- www.visitnorthumberland.com
- www.visithadrianswall.co.uk
- www.nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way
- www.northpennines.org.uk
Cicerone Press produce an informative guidebook for this route.
Holiday Options 2024
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Dufton to Garrigill 16 miles (26kms)
Day 2: Garrigill to Lambley 12 miles (19kms)
Day 3: Lambley to Once Brewed 13 miles (21kms)
Day 4: Once Brewed to Bellingham 15 miles (24kms)
Day 5: Bellingham to Byrness 14 miles (23kms)
Day 6: Byrness to Uswayford Farm 15 miles (24kms)
Day 7: Uswayford Farm to Kirk Yetholm 15 miles (24kms)
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