Pennine 39

PENNINE 39 - Saturday 28th June 2025

OVERVIEW

Having run for around 10 years, the consensus is that the route is in fact only 37 miles, but we like the name so it's staying as Pennine 39. This route is all about wild trails, far horizons and majestic scenery. Following what is arguably the most stunning section of the Pennine Way the Pennine 39 is a tough day out with a relaxed and sociable event atmosphere.

This NAV4 Adventure mountain trail event is designed for runners and competent walkers. It follows an amazingly diverse, challenging 37 mile route through an iconic region. This is a self navigated event but don’t be intimidated. While the trails are wild and remote, the navigation is mainly easy. The route follows the official Pennine Way and all route choices are designated by a total of nine permanent Pennine Way markers. If still in doubt, fear not… we’ll be hosting a recce or two of the wildest section, the Crossfell traverse, in the Spring so keep an eye on social media for updates.

ROUTE

The route follows a classic section of The Pennine Way, through the Cumbrian / Durham Pennines. From Bowlees you pass Low Force and High Force waterfalls on glorious Mid-Teesdale riverside paths. Next comes the amazing cascade of Cauldron’s Snout followed by the high, remote and stark Cow Green Reservoir, marking the start of the traverse through to the magnificent geological feature of High Cup Nick. This is quite simply an awesome slice out of the landscape leading in turn to a steady descent to the Dufton Checkpoint. The climb to Old Man Knock follows, before a traverse over Great Dun Fell and Crossfell, the highest point of England outside of the Lake District. A checkpoint at the iconic ‘Greg’s Hut is a welcome sight before a long descent to Garrigill. Riverside paths to the finish at Alston complete an amazing day.

EVENT CENTRE / REGISTRATION / START & FINISH

Alston YHA is our event centre. Pennine 39 is a linear route, so we bus you from Alston to the start at Bowlees, early on Saturday morning. There will be an 'Early' start at 0800 on Saturday for slower people, and a 'Standard' start at 0900 on Saturday. This bus is included in your entry fee.

'Slower' means anyone expecting to take over 11 hours. Please do not book an 'Early' start unless you expect to take 11 hours or more.

Registration is open at Alston YHA on Friday from 1700 - 2200 and again at 0700 on Saturday. You can also register at Bowlees during the same time period if you book that option when signing up to partake.

The finish is at Alston YHA - when you get there!

KIT

Sensible hill kit is required. We’ll keep an eye on the weather and issue an appropriate kit list nearer the event via the email you supply during sign up. But for now, we recommend you plan for the worst.

LOGISTICS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Alston YHA is right next to The Pennine Way and serves as our Registration and Finish, as well as accommodation on both Friday and Saturday nights if you choose to stay with us. Alston YHA is a great little hostel, with quality small bunk room accommodation, lounge, dining room and kitchen facilities.

Accommodation and food; Hostel bunks are bookable as extras; A Friday night bunk and a good simple self-service breakfast is just £40 per person per night. A Saturday night bunk is £55 but also includes an evening two course supper, and a recovery drink or three with a relaxed Sunday morning breakfast.

Bunk rooms are small so we elect to half fill the hostel using only bottom bunks, rather than ‘packing you in’. However this does mean hostel bunks are limited, so get booked in early.

Alternatively, Alston village offers a wide range of accommodation options within walking distance of the YHA.

Travel; We are very keen for people to use the train to get to us, and the nearest station is Langwathby on the Settle-Carlisle line. Penrith mainline station is an alternative, with many more trains. There will be a shuttle bus from Penrith via Langwathby at approximately 2000 on Friday evening. Journey time is around 35 mins. These times might be tweaked slightly based on timetables and demand - any updates will be via email as applicable.

The shuttle bus costs just £15, and you can book a place when you enter, or at a later date by adding it as an extra. Lifts back on Sunday morning are available too - no need to book Sunday shuttle bus.

Please do check out the train option. Following the iconic Settle-to-Carlisle line, the journey from Leeds, Skipton, Settle and up though the Dales is well worth taking for the scenery alone.

AND FINALLY

All / any event updates will be issued via the email you supply at signup so please type carefully!

All NAV4 events are very friendly, low key and sociable. Pennine 39 is very small and requires dynamic logistics. Consequently there is a limit of just 100 places available for this unique event. But please don’t feel intimidated. The event is open to, and achievable by all abilities and a great ‘gateway’ adventure to build skills for more demanding events. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions.

See you at the start line of the ‘39!

Joe and the NAV4 Adventure team.