Campaign launched to get National Trail status for Yorkshire Dales walk called 'the most beautiful in Britain'

A campaign group dedicated to the memory of Alfred Wainwright have been given encouragement that a National Trail could be designated in his honour.
The Pennine Journey trail passes WhernsideThe Pennine Journey trail passes Whernside
The Pennine Journey trail passes Whernside

Wainwright, who died in 1991, was a pioneering fell-walker who wrote guides to the Coast to Coast Walk and the Pennine Way, devising the routes which have become popular today.

In 1938, he completed a walk that began and ended in Settle which he called the Pennine Journey. His aim was to reach Hadrian's Wall via Ribblesdale, Littondale, Wharfedale, Wensleydale, Swaledale, the River Greta, Teesdale, Weardale and the River Derwent. The return leg crossed the Eden Valley, Dentdale, Whernside and Ingleborough. His journey was over 200 miles, but it wasn't until 1986 - by which time Wainwright had become a TV celebrity - that a guide to the walk was published.

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Ingleborough is part of the Pennine Journey routeIngleborough is part of the Pennine Journey route
Ingleborough is part of the Pennine Journey route
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The long-distance Pennine Journey trail is now waymarked and appears on Ordnance Survey maps, but members of the Pennine Journey Supporters Club are hoping that it eventually receive designation as a National Trail, meaning it will be maintained and promoted by Natural England.

The usual starting point is Settle Station, and the route takes in some of the most dramatic scenery in the Dales, including the Three Peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent, the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Hull Pot cave, England's highest pub at Tan Hill, High Force waterfall, Wild Boar Fell, Sedbergh, Garsdale, Ingleton and Clapham. It also easily links to the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast Path at several points.

Campaigner David Pitt has opened discussions with Natural England, who have told the group that they can have 'aspirations' towards National Trail status by 2028, by which time other trail projects including the Pennine Bridleway and the England Coast Path will have been completed.

National Trails need to be a minimum distance and have an accompanying guidebook and map to receive designation.

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"We have had a lot of support - including endorsement from the Ramblers Association - so we thought we would ask the question," said Mr Pitt.

"It would be the ultimate tribute to Wainwright, who was a pioneer of long-distance footpath walking. It would also bring great economic benefits to small communities along the route. We know of a village in the Eden Valley where the pub has recently re-opened with bedrooms, and they would love more walkers passing through to help it survive.

"It's a leap of faith, but we could cash in on the Wainwright name. One lady wrote to me to say it is the most beautiful walk in the country."

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