The Pennines are often said to be the "backbone of England", they form an unbroken range stretching from the Peak District in the Midlands, through the Yorkshire Dales, parts of Greater Manchester, the West Pennine Moors of Lancashire and Cumbrian Fells to the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border. Their total length is about 250 miles (400 km).
They are mainly made up of gritstone and limestone, which in the North Pennines has led to the formation of large underground cave systems (pots) and streams (gills). The Pennines are upland areas of high moorland interspaced by fertile river valleys. It is a relatively sparsely populated region by English standards and the main economic activities include sheep farming, quarrying and tourism.
The Pennine Way, which runs the full length of the Pennine chain, was Britain's first long distance footpath.
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 This is my local area. The term ‘South Pennines’ refers to the area loosely bounded by the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the north and the Peak District National Park to the south. It also includes the areas covered by the following: the Local Authorities of Bradford, Burnley, Calderdale, Kirklees, Pendle, Rochdale and Rossendale as well as the North-West Water Authority and the land covered by the Pennine Parks Association. |
 Watergrove Country Park is about 3 miles north east of Rochdale. Watergrove is a thriving outdoor recreational area, catering to a diverse range of activities. Despite the popularity of the area, if you are prepared to venture away from the immediate environs of the reservoir itself, you could spend the whole day exploring the remoter areas of the upper valley and perimeter hills and barely meet another person. |
 Wycoller is a beautiful hamlet situated in a quiet clough a few miles south east of Colne, far away from the present hustle and bustle of the local Lancashire mill towns. Wycoller Hall is thought to have been the inspiration for Fearn Dean Manor in Jane Eyre. |
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