Geography of England: Which range of hills runs in a north-south direction through the central part of England?

Often described as the "Backbone of England," this extensive range of hills and mountains stretches for approximately 250 miles (400 km). It begins in the Peak District of Derbyshire, extending northwards through the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines before tapering off near the Scottish border. This immense upland area forms a major watershed, dividing the country's river systems. Rivers rising on the eastern slopes, such as the Tyne and the Aire, flow towards the North Sea, while those on the western side, like the Mersey and the Ribble, drain into the Irish Sea.

Beyond its physical geography, this range played a crucial role in shaping England's history, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. The hills were a rich source of coal, lead, and fast-flowing streams that powered the early textile mills in the surrounding valleys. This spurred the growth of major industrial cities like Manchester, Sheffield, and Leeds. Today, much of the area's rugged, windswept beauty is protected within national parks, and it is famously traversed by the Pennine Way, one of Britain's oldest and best-known long-distance footpaths.