Pennine 39
Pennine 39 is a NAV4 Adventure mountain trail event that follows a roughly 37 mile route along a classic section of the Pennine Way. The event is self navigated and aimed at runners and competent walkers. Navigation is mainly straightforward and the route uses nine permanent Pennine Way markers for guidance. Organisers run reconnaissance days for the Crossfell traverse in spring.
The route passes through the Cumbrian and Durham Pennines, starting at Bowlees and finishing at Alston YHA. Key features along the line include Low Force and High Force waterfalls, Cauldron’s Snout, Cow Green Reservoir, High Cup Nick, the Dufton checkpoint, Old Man Knock, Great Dun Fell, Crossfell and the descent to Garrigill before riverside paths into Alston. A checkpoint is located at the shelter known as Greg’s Hut.
Alston YHA serves as the event centre, registration point and finish area, and offers optional on site bunk accommodation and meals for additional cost. The event is linear and includes bus transport from Alston to the start as part of the entry fee. There are two start options, with an earlier start intended for participants who expect to take 11 hours or more. A shuttle from Penrith via Langwathby operates on the Friday evening for arrivals and can be booked as an extra. Sensible hill kit is required and a detailed kit list will be issued to entrants before the event. Entry is limited to 100 places. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
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!
KITS
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