What trekking poles are best for the Pennine Way?

The Pennine Way stretches 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. It is Britain’s oldest and arguably toughest national trail—a relentless test of endurance across peat bogs, windswept moors, rocky escarpments, and ankle‑deep mud. Your trekking poles will be working as hard as your legs. Choosing the right pair is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for comfort, safety, and success. After analysing the terrain, consulting experienced long‑distance walkers, and considering UK availability, the best poles for the Pennine Way are durable aluminium models with lever locks, cork grips, and replaceable carbide tips. The standout value choice is the Decathlon Forclaz MT900, while premium options like the Leki Makalu and Black Diamond Trail Back also excel. Here’s why and what to look for.

Understanding the Pennine Way terrain

The Pennine Way is not a manicured footpath. It includes:

• Peat bogs – soft, unstable ground where poles can sink deep.
• Gritstone and limestone – abrasive rock that wears down carbide tips quickly.
• Muddy moorland – slippery, claggy conditions that demand reliable locks.
• Steep ascents/descents – frequent elevation changes (e.g., Cross Fell, Pen-y-Ghent) that put strain on knees and poles.

Your poles must withstand constant abuse, stay adjustable in wet conditions, and remain repairable over two weeks of daily use.

The essential features for the Pennine Way

1. Aluminium over carbon – Carbon poles are lighter but brittle. A side impact on a rocky fell can splinter them. Aluminium (especially 7075 alloy) bends under stress but can often be straightened. For a 268‑mile trek, durability trumps weight saving.
2. Lever locks, not twist locks – Twist locks are notorious for slipping when wet and muddy. Lever (cam) locks (e.g., Leki SpeedLock, Black Diamond FlickLock, Decathlon’s cam system) are field‑adjustable, secure, and easy to clean.
3. Replaceable carbide tips – The Pennine Way’s abrasive rock will blunt tips within a few hundred miles. Poles with replaceable tips save you from buying new poles every year. Carry a spare pair.
4. Cork grips – Foam grips absorb sweat but can get slimy; rubber becomes slippery. Cork becomes tacky when wet, providing superior grip in rainy British weather.
5. Compact folded length – For travel and storage, telescoping poles that collapse to around 60–70 cm are ideal.

The best value: Decathlon Forclaz MT900

At £55, the MT900 is the undisputed budget champion. It offers:

• 7075 aluminium shafts (lightweight and strong)
• Reliable lever locks (cam locks)
• Cork grips with adjustable wrist straps
• Replaceable tungsten‑carbide tips
• Weight: ~250 g per pole
• Collapses to 65 cm

It has been used on countless UK long‑distance trails and consistently receives positive reviews for durability and value. For the Pennine Way, this is the smartest choice if you are watching your budget but still want professional‑grade performance.

Premium alternatives: Leki Makalu and Black Diamond Trail Back

• Leki Makalu (£90–100): A legend in the trekking world. Features SpeedLock Plus (the most reliable lever lock), 7075 aluminium, a steel lower section for extra abrasion resistance, and cork grips. Slightly heavier (270 g per pole) but virtually indestructible. Available at Cotswold and Go Outdoors.
• Black Diamond Trail Back (£75–85): Similar spec to the Makalu, with FlickLock levers and 7075 aluminium. Slightly lighter (240 g per pole) and has a more ergonomic grip. Great alternative if you prefer Black Diamond's locking system.

Both are excellent and will survive the Pennine Way with ease. The Makalu is marginally more durable; the Trail Back is slightly lighter.

What about carbon poles?

Carbon poles (e.g., Leki Micro Vario Carbon, Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z) are significantly lighter but fragile. One misplaced plant between rocks can crack them. Unless you are an ultralight purist willing to take the risk, avoid carbon for this trek. The weight saving of ~100 g per pole is not worth the potential for failure on a remote moor.

Baskets and tips – don’t forget the details

• Small trekking baskets are useful in peat bogs to prevent the pole sinking too deep. Remove them on rocky sections to avoid catching.
• Carry spare tips – At least one pair. You can buy genuine Leki/Black Diamond tips or cheaper Decathlon Forclaz tips. Change them when the carbide is visibly worn.
• Spare lock parts – A small hex key to tighten lever locks is a lightweight addition to your repair kit.

Where to buy before the walk

• Decathlon UK – Forclaz MT900, best value.
• Go Outdoors – Price‑match and discount card can make Leki and Black Diamond affordable.
• Cotswold Outdoor – Expert advice and in‑store testing.
• SportPursuit – Flash sales on premium brands (if timed right).

Final verdict

For the Pennine Way, choose 7075 aluminium poles with lever locks, cork grips, and replaceable carbide tips. The Decathlon Forclaz MT900 offers the best balance of cost and performance at £55. If your budget allows, the Leki Makalu or Black Diamond Trail Back are premium upgrades that add refinement and durability. Avoid carbon, avoid twist locks, and carry spare tips. With the right poles, you’ll navigate bogs, rocks, and hills with confidence, protecting your knees and preserving your energy for the full 268‑mile journey. Happy trekking.