Access and visitor economy partners welcome the Roof of England Walk

Andrew Fox, Chair of Visit Northumberland
“We’re thrilled to support the North Pennines National Landscape’s inspiring new Roof of England walking route. It creates fresh opportunities for visitors to explore some of our lesser-known Northumberland landscapes while supporting the development of new, high-quality visitor experiences along the way. By encouraging longer stays, the route will help local businesses diversify and grow, attracting walkers seeking authentic hospitality, food, and accommodation.

“The launch of this new long-distance walking route strengthens Northumberland’s position as one of the UK’s leading outdoor and active destinations and is a major step forward in delivering the ambitions of the Northumberland Destination Management Plan, ensuring our visitor economy continues to thrive in a sustainable and inclusive way.”

Duncan Peake, Chair of Visit County Durham
“We welcome the launch of the Roof of England Walk as it brings to life the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of the North Pennines, including those within County Durham. As the destination management organisation for the county, our strategy is to develop tourism products that build on our distinctive strengths and provide visitors with memorable, meaningful experiences — and this new trail does exactly that.

“The Roof of England Walk offers visitors the chance to explore the dramatic scenery and hidden stories of the North Pennines, which unite parts of County Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria. For County Durham, it reflects our ambition to create authentic products that inspire discovery and encourage visitors to stay longer, supporting the sustainable growth of our communities and the wider visitor economy.”

Jim Walker, President of Cumbria Tourism
“From the ancient market town of Kirkby Stephen, through the epic North Pennines National Landscape via the beautiful Eden Valley up to the border of Hadrian’s Wall and its fascinating Roman heritage, this new walking route will guide visitors through a rich tapestry of Cumbria’s less well-known landscapes.

“The Roof of England walk will help to cement the county’s reputation for world-class outdoor experiences, highlighting hidden gems to new audiences, supporting rural businesses and bringing Cumbria together with the neighbouring destinations of Northumberland and County Durham to highlight an inspiring long-distance route which showcases Northern England at its best.”

Mike Ogden, Access and Rights of Way Team Leader with Durham County Council
“The new Roof of England Walk includes some of the most iconic locations in the North Pennines, and within County Durham it provides a link between two of our main promoted routes, the Weardale Way and the Pennine Way, as well as one of the Northern Saints Trails. The route offers a great ‘highlights package’ of the North Pennines National Landscape, and hopefully will tempt exploration of some of the other routes and the extensive network of public rights of way. The benefits to the rural economy will be most welcome.

“It has been great to work with the National Landscape team and colleagues in the other Councils to develop this route, and the on-the ground efforts of the National Landscape staff to talk to landowners and carry out improvement works has achieved something we could never have done alone.”

Jo McAllister, Pennine National Trails Manager
“The Roof of England Walk offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the stunning North Pennines and we’re delighted that it’s also offering walkers a different way to experience sections of the Pennine Way too. A great amount of thought has gone in to the creation of the new route – almost a third of the Roof of England Walk follows the Pennine Way and they’re beautiful sections of the National Trail passing key landmarks; High Cup Nick and High Force being just two of them. This new route is going to help more people to get out and explore the countryside of the North Pennines National Landscape and we hope that it also inspires walkers to go on and explore the length of the Pennine Way in the future too.”