Pennines

Pennines or Pennine Chain, mountain range, sometimes called the "backbone of England," extending c.160 mi (260 km) from the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border to the Peak District in Derbyshire. The range consists of a series of upland blocks, separated by transverse valleys (Tees, Aire, Wensleydale, and Wharfdale). There are caverns, and several chasms are more than 300 ft (91 m) in depth. Cross Fell (2,930 ft/893 m) is the highest peak. The range is sparsely populated. Sheep raising, quarrying, and tourism are important economic activities. Reservoirs in the Pennines store water for the cities of N England.

Pennines Range of hills in n England, extending from the Tyne Gap and Eden Valley on the border with Scotland to the valley of the River Trent. The hills are a series of highland blocks dissected by rivers such as the Tees, Aire and Ribble. The rearing of sheep is the chief occupation. Tourism and limestone quarrying are also important. The highest peak is Cross Fell, at 893m (2930ft). Length: c.260km (160mi).