A father-and-son team from the Yorkshire Dales has created a heartfelt tribute to Britain’s first National Trail, the Pennine Way, in celebration of its 60th anniversary. Singer-songwriter Ben Avison and his father, Jon Avison, a former ranger and deputy CEO of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, collaborated to release Making Memories on the Pennine Way, a song and video that highlights the trail’s beauty, history, and emotional significance.
The project, part of the ‘Trail of Inspiration’ exhibition, delves into the connections between people and landscapes, as well as the shared experiences the Pennine Way inspires.
Personal history intertwined with the Pennine Way
For Ben, who grew up in Kirkby Malham in the Yorkshire Dales, the Pennine Way is much more than a celebrated hiking trail – it’s a cornerstone of his upbringing. “My earliest memories are of the towering cliffs of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, and the bleak expanse of Malham Moor,” he said. These landscapes, which he helped maintain alongside his father during childhood, shaped his identity.
As a child, Ben often joined his father Jon in maintaining the Pennine Way. He fondly remembers helping to build steps up the side of Malham Cove and contributing to the upkeep of the trail. Jon also reflected on their shared connection to the trail. “I have spent most of my working life caring for the Yorkshire Dales. This song and video remind me of the passion I have for the Dales and bring back wonderful memories of sharing that passion with Ben.”
Marking 60 years of inspiration with a tribute to home
The song Making Memories on the Pennine Way explores themes of belonging, nostalgia, and the restorative power of nature. Ben explains that it’s as much about the landscape as it is about his relationship with his father. “It celebrates the Pennine Way as a place of reflection, inspiration, and connection,” he said.
The recording, which features Jon accompanying Ben, also incorporates the sound of the limestone lithophone at Horton-in-Ribblesdale train station, created by Quarry Arts, adding a unique local touch. The project also touches on themes of environmental preservation and the importance of finding balance. “The song explores how work can take over your life, and how walking the Pennine Way offers an antidote to that,” says Ben.
The Pennine Way, established in 1965, stretches 268 miles across iconic British landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, and Northumberland National Park. It has long served as a retreat for walkers, a source of inspiration for artists, and a testament to the relationship between people and the natural world. Its 60th anniversary has inspired projects like the ‘Trail of Inspiration’ exhibition, which celebrates the trail’s enduring legacy.
“Walking the Pennine Way is a pilgrimage for so many,” Ben noted. “It’s a journey that offers both challenges and rewards, much like life itself. This contribution to the project aims to honour that experience and the enduring beauty of this special place.”
Jon Avison said: “I have spent most of my working life caring for and encouraging others to care for the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. This song and video reminds me of the passion I have for the Dales and brings back wonderful memories of sharing that passion with Ben.”
Listen and watch
Both Making Memories on the Pennine Way and Ben’s version of Pilgrim on the Pennine Way by Pete Coe are available on YouTube and all major streaming platforms.
For more on Ben Avison’s music and the Pennine Way, visit www.benavison.co.uk and National Trail.
Article based on press release
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