A POLAR explorer and ocean diver who has ventured to the world’s most extreme environments was blown away by what he discovered in a quiet corner of the region.

Paul Rose has conquered the highest mountain in the Arctic and sub-zero waters of the Antarctic but was still impressed by the landscape of North Pennines when he walked through it for a new television series.

In BBC One documentary The Pennine Way, Mr Rose will introduce the nation to some of the most impressive locations found along the iconic path- Britain’s first national trail which was opened 50 years ago.

Last summer he pulled on his hiking boots to explore the 268 mile route from Edale, in the Derbyshire Peak District, through the Yorkshire and Durham Dales and Northumberland National Park to Kirk Yetholm, near the Scottish border.

Mr Rose said: “The Pennine Way is a life-affirming journey.

“It took me through some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain and travelling through the North Pennines was a real eye-opener.

“I’ve so many amazing memories from the mind-blowing wildflower meadows in upper Teesdale to kayaking along the Tees, to drinking in the stunning views at High Cup Nick.

“I’d urge anyone to get their boots on and get out there.”

For the four-part series, the BBC worked with staff from the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership to profile the best the area has to offer to walkers.

Highlights of the show from County Durham will include Cow Green Reservoir, Cauldron Snout, Low and High Force waterfalls and Teesdale’s hay meadows.

Kaye Jemmeson, marketing and communications lead from the AONB Partnership, said: “The Pennine Way is such an iconic trail in the UK, but there are a lot of undiscovered gems around here.

“It was a pleasure sharing them with Paul, who has explored some of the most exciting places on Earth.”

Programme director Paul Greenan said: “It was great to see some of the work that’s been done by the North Pennines AONB staff who help to look after one of the country’s great landscapes.

“They’ve every right to feel proud of the North Pennines, it’s one of the highlights of the whole series.”

Chris Woodley-Stewart, director of the AONB Partnership, said: “Everyone here knows how beautiful this place is because we live and work here every day, but now it’s time for the rest of the UK to see just what makes it so special.”

The AONB Partnership has organised a Pennine Way Anniversary Walk, on Sunday, April 21, will start from Langdon Beck Youth Hostel.

To book a place call on 01833-622145 or visit northpenninesaonb.org.uk

The Pennine Way will be broadcast in the North region this month, with North Pennines episode aired on BBC One on Friday, April 24 at 7.30pm, and nationally later in the year.