Striding across the top of the world, I found myself on the new Roof of England Walk, an 188-mile trail that takes in the best-loved elements of the North Pennines - a sometimes overlooked corner of Britain. Developed by the North Pennines national landscape team and launched in September, this multi-day path aims to showcase the region's historic, vibrant landscape and its UNESCO Global Geopark status.
I started my journey from Alston, often referred to as England's highest market town, boasting an array of independent shops, cafes, and a pint-size wine bar. It was here that I met Shane Harris, the project's lead, who explained that the North Pennines is a "blank on the map for a lot of people, a huge area between Hadrian's Wall and the Yorkshire Dales." This walk, he said, is about introducing more people to this historic and vibrant landscape.
As I left Alston, I followed the Pennine Way behind me, heading into Langley Common where the wind was rising. A rainbow stretched across the horizon, a sight I wouldn't have seen from the shelter of those coppery trees below. The tussocks under my boots covered the Maiden Way, perhaps the highest Roman road in Britain, but it felt like I was striding across the top of the world.
The walk took me through moorland and countryside, passing by former Roman fort Epiacum and picturesque Blanchland village. At Blanchland, an ancient stone pub sat nestled in a valley with open fires blazing downstairs and homemade shortbread waiting in my room - it felt like stepping into another world.
As the storm cleared, I was rewarded with a swathe of bright stars, no street lights in sight. It was here that I came to appreciate this walk wasn't about looking down at the landscape but up at the ever-changing skyscape of rainbows, storm clouds, sunrises and stars that make up the roof of England.
The Roof of England Walk is an invitation to explore a part of Britain we've overlooked for too long. It's an opportunity to experience its wild beauty and history in all its glory - with no distractions from the road or pavement, just you, nature, and the ever-changing sky above.
I started my journey from Alston, often referred to as England's highest market town, boasting an array of independent shops, cafes, and a pint-size wine bar. It was here that I met Shane Harris, the project's lead, who explained that the North Pennines is a "blank on the map for a lot of people, a huge area between Hadrian's Wall and the Yorkshire Dales." This walk, he said, is about introducing more people to this historic and vibrant landscape.
As I left Alston, I followed the Pennine Way behind me, heading into Langley Common where the wind was rising. A rainbow stretched across the horizon, a sight I wouldn't have seen from the shelter of those coppery trees below. The tussocks under my boots covered the Maiden Way, perhaps the highest Roman road in Britain, but it felt like I was striding across the top of the world.
The walk took me through moorland and countryside, passing by former Roman fort Epiacum and picturesque Blanchland village. At Blanchland, an ancient stone pub sat nestled in a valley with open fires blazing downstairs and homemade shortbread waiting in my room - it felt like stepping into another world.
As the storm cleared, I was rewarded with a swathe of bright stars, no street lights in sight. It was here that I came to appreciate this walk wasn't about looking down at the landscape but up at the ever-changing skyscape of rainbows, storm clouds, sunrises and stars that make up the roof of England.
The Roof of England Walk is an invitation to explore a part of Britain we've overlooked for too long. It's an opportunity to experience its wild beauty and history in all its glory - with no distractions from the road or pavement, just you, nature, and the ever-changing sky above.
. The North Pennines area has so much to offer and I think it's amazing that it's finally getting some recognition 
. I've been following this project for ages and it's great to see people like Shane Harris working hard to bring it to life 
. And omg, the description of Blanchland village sounds like something out of a fairytale 
. The fact that you got to stay in an ancient stone pub with open fires and homemade shortbread is just the icing on the cake 
. Can't wait for more people to experience this amazing walk!
this walk sounds so amazing I would love to do it ASAP the idea of striding across the top of the world is so cool and the thought of seeing a rainbow stretching across the horizon is like a dream come true Interesting 
I mean, have you considered that this walk isn't just about hiking? It's about perspective! You're literally walking on top of the world, but what's really happening is your mind is expanding to see beyond the usual views of England 
️. The whole "roof" thing is genius – it makes you realize how much we take for granted when it comes to our surroundings. I mean, we've got Hadrian's Wall and all that history right under our noses, but do we ever really look at it? Not until now! 
This walk is like a wake-up call to appreciate the world above us (and below us, obvs). 
Can't wait to try this out myself 
i love how they chose to focus on the landscape and the ever-changing sky - it's all about appreciating nature's beauty in its purest form. the idea of no distractions from the road or pavement just adds to the experience, like you get to really connect with the world around you. i've been meaning to explore more of northern england, this definitely makes me wanna do that ASAP 
! I've been meaning to check out the North Pennines for ages, but never had the chance. It sounds like an amazing experience - who wouldn't want to explore a UNESCO Global Geopark with no distractions from the road? 
The idea that it's not just about looking at the landscape, but also experiencing the ever-changing sky above is genius. I've always loved hiking and being outdoors, but this walk seems like a whole new level of adventure 
. And can we talk about how stunning it looks? I love that there are independent shops, cafes, and even a pint-size wine bar in Alston... it sounds like the perfect place to start your adventure 
. I think this walk has all the ingredients for an epic adventure, and I'm low-key jealous that you got to experience it first-hand 
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– not knowing exactly what's around the next bend, but trusting that it'll be worth the journey. And isn't that something we should all strive for?
. I think what I love most is how it's not just about the views (although, wow) but also about taking the time to actually be present in nature, without all the distractions of modern life 
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It sounds like an amazing adventure - all that history, wild beauty, and just you, nature, and the sky. I love how it's not about following a path but about taking in the whole view 
️. I'm definitely adding this to my bucket list ASAP!