Ex-National Park head and son pay tribute to Pennine Way in song

Singer-songwriter Ben Avison has collaborated with his father, Jon Avison, former ranger and deputy CEO at the Yorkshire Dales National Park, to release a heartfelt song and video to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way on 24th April 2025.

Ex-National Park head and son pay tribute to Pennine Way in song

Singer-songwriter Ben Avison has collaborated with his father, Jon Avison, former ranger and deputy CEO at the Yorkshire Dales National Park, to release a heartfelt song and video to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way on 24th April 2025.

The song, Making Memories on the Pennine Way, forms part of the “Trail of Inspiration” exhibition, which highlights the enduring legacy of the Britain’s first National Trail. It also forms part of a new collection of songs celebrating nature and home that Ben and Jon are
working on for release later in the year, under the moniker “Sons of the Long Green Trail”.

Hailing from the Yorkshire Dales, Ben Avison is a musician and songwriter deeply influenced by the natural world. His music, a blend of folk, indie, and alternative styles, captures the connection between people and landscapes, evoking a sense of place and
belonging.

Jon’s former band, The Moonbeams, released three albums of songs celebrating the Yorkshire Dales, receiving good reviews in major national music magazines Mojo, Q and Classic Rock.

The Pennine Way: A Family Legacy.

For Ben, the Pennine Way is more than just a celebrated hiking trail – it’s deeply intertwined with his personal history.

“I grew up in Kirkby Malham, on possibly the most celebrated section of the Pennine Way,” Ben recalls. “My earliest memories are of the towering cliffs of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, and the bleak expanse of Malham Moor. The landscapes you grow up in shape who
you are.”

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.

A Song for Home, History, and Reflection.

Making Memories on the Pennine Way reflects Ben’s experiences and the connection he shares with his father and their beloved Yorkshire Dales.

“The song is inspired by the landscape but also by my relationship with my dad,” Ben explains. “It’s about the draw of ‘home,’ and the memories we carry with us. It celebrates the Pennine Way as a place of reflection, inspiration, and connection, whether you’re local
or a visitor.”

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.

A Trail of Inspiration.

The 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way marks a milestone for one of Britain’s most iconic walking trails. The trail 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.

“Walking the Pennine Way is a pilgrimage for so many,” Ben reflects. “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.”

Ben’s contribution to the Trail of Inspiration project also includes a version of Pilgrim on the Pennine Way, written by Pete Coe.

Where to Find the Songs and Video.

Both Making Memories on the Pennine Way and Pilgrim on the Pennine Way are available now on YouTube @Ben Avison Music and on all streaming platforms.

Ben will be playing at the Dales Museum on the date of the single release and 60th anniversary of the Pennine way 24-04-2025. The Trail of Inspiration Exhibition, 60 Years of the Pennine Way – Meet the Artist. Come and chat all things Pennine Way with Sally, one of the contributors to the exhibition,
and find out about how and why she made her pieces by watching her work. Included in museum admission. Throughout the day from 10am-3pm in the exhibition hall. www.dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk/events/

About the Pennine Way

The Pennine Way, established in 1965, is Britain’s first and most famous National Trail. Stretching 268 miles through the heart of England, the trail traverses breathtaking landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, and Northumberland National
Park. For more information on the Trail of Inspiration exhibition go to nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way-at-60