What’s Not to Like? Rethinking the Pennine Way

In this episode of Notes from Big Trails, Rob speaks to Jon Barton, founder of Vertebrate Publishing, about walking — and running — the Pennine Way.They explore why the Pennine Way divides opinion, what the early sections across Kinder and Bleaklow are really like, and why places such as High Cup Nick, Upper Teesdale, Cross Fell and the Cheviots leave such a strong impression.Jon reflects on:Growing up visiting Swaledale and Upper TeesdaleHow childhood landscapes shaped his wanderlustExperiencing the Pennine Way through the Spine eventsThe reality of “boggy” sections and bleak reputationsWildlife encounters — curlews, golden plover, roe deerLimestone country around MalhamThe strange surreal feeling of walking through busy places after days on the moorWhy motivation matters more than raw fitnessThey also discuss practical considerations — kit familiarity, pacing, and whether the Pennine Way should be your first long-distance trail.