One of the Stanza Stones on Pule Hill, Marsden

A new walking trail promises poetry in motion in a traverse of South Pennines landscapes.

The Stanza Stones Trial runs from Marsden on the edge of the Peak District to Ilkley, home of the moor that inspired Yorkshire’s unofficial anthem.

The 76km (47-mile) route links six carved stones, each featuring a poem by Marsden-born Simon Armitage, who took water as his inspiration.

Tom Lonsdale, who wrote the Stanza Stones Trail guide, said: “The walk can be tackled in different ways.

“Hardened walkers can tackle it all in one go but the guide is written for those wishing to walk it in three sections, from Marsden to Hebden Bridge; Hebden Bridge to Bingley; and finally Bingley to Ilkley.

“The stones are also accessible through individual family friendly walks, three of which can be accessed by buggies and wheelchairs. Maps and descriptions of all the walks are outlined in the guide.

“Each stone is sited in a location that has a sense of place and the poem adds extra impact.

“For those who follow the trail it gives them a real experience of the true nature of the South Pennines and allows them to share the personal reflections of the landscape with a top writer who knows it so well.”

Mr Lonsdale also identified all of the carving sites and negotiated the necessary consents.

The stones, which were carved by Pip Hall and her apprentice Wayne Hart, describe water in its many forms: beck, puddle, mist, rain, dew and snow. The project was created by Ilkley Literature Festival in collaboration with Simon Armitage.

Pennine Prospects, the rural regeneration agency for the area, said the stones are located in lofty and isolated positions and the trail itself also highlights the variety of the South Pennines landscape from the industrial heritage of Hebden Bridge to the archaeologically significant Rombalds Moor.

“The Stanza Stones Trail offers walkers the opportunity to immerse themselves in this beautiful landscape,” said Sue Leffman, of Pennine Prospects. “The view from the first stone at Pule Hill is absolutely stunning.”

Ilkley Literature Festival director Rachel Feldberg said: “By giving people a purpose, a destination, we are hoping that people who don’t go out into the landscape will feel inspired to try.

“And of course, the full trail helps to link the South Pennines together, bringing the communities closer.

“Everyone has their own favourite poem and people will often take their family and friends to find it.

“Alongside the stones we have built poetry seats at the beginning and end of the trail, and early this summer we will be installing a poetry box next to the Ilkley seat where people can post their own poem and receive a different one in return.”

Details of the Stanza Stones Trail are on the South Pennines Walk, Cycle, Ride website.