In 2011, John led walkers and musicians on a walking tour up the west of the Pennines and down the eastern side, playing gigs each evening.

In 2018, John returned to his native Yorkshire to continue walking the Pennine Way, starting in Holmfirth and walking up to Settle with gigs along the way. The dates were Thursday 24th May through to Monday 28th May

With John as the Reluctant Ramblers band were Al Scott, guitar, bouzouki; Tim Cotterell, Fiddle, Mandolin; Rowan Godel, voice, guitar; Lindsey Oliver, stand-up bass, voice; and guest Boff Whalley, guitar, voice and commentary.

John was unable to walk himself as he explains in this video. The walks were led by Colin Kirkby and Boff Whalley with support from Chris, Liz, Mike and Graham.

Many ramblers joined during the day to walk, all are welcome. Others met the walkers for a beer at lunch or each evening as they arrived.

There were walks on every day, including Sunday. Monday 28th May was the second May Bank Holiday. Click here to see outlines of the walks.

John writes: “This is something I have wanted to do for some time. As well as walking some of the iconic landscape of my childhood, we get to play some superb live-music venues and carry our own brand of music and humour, often inspired by the walking, into peoples’ lives. The walks are inclusive and so is the spirit of our music. Hope to meet you there. JJ”

There were four gigs and a session on this walking tour:

Thursday 24th May at the Hebden Bridges Trades Club

Friday 25th May at the Live Room, Saltaire

Saturday 26th May at the Court House, Otley

Sunday 27th May in the Crook Barn of the Craven Arms in Appletreewick

Monday 28th May at the Victoria Hall, Settle