The Trans Pennine Trail

Walkers and cyclists can use the whole TPT, with horse riders also able to enjoy many sections. Much of the Trail is on old railway lines and canal towpaths where easy gradients and surfaced paths make much of the Trail suitable for wheelchair users, or people with pushchairs, or anybody that just prefers an easy-going route! And over 60% of the Trail is completely traffic- free providing a great, safe facility for families with young children. The TPT ties in with the National Cycle Network and the cycling route is numbered accordingly.

Having left behind the west coast, the Mersey estuary and skirted the edge of Manchester, the Trans Pennine Trail crosses into Yorkshire at the highest point on the route. After crossing the high moors of the Peak District, the Trail follows the former railway line to the market town of Penistone and on to the RSPB reserve at Old Moor, south of Barnsley. The route then follows the Dearne Valley eastward past Conisbrough Castle and along the Don Gorge to the outskirts of Doncaster.

The Trail then follows disused railway lines, quiet lanes and canal towpaths to Selby, a traditional market town that is dominated by the magnificent Abbey. Quiet lanes and occasional off-road sections take cyclists eastward, while walkers can enjoy the riverside path on the banks of the Ouse and then the Humber. After passing under the impressive Humber bridge, the TPT heads into Hull before following the Hornsea Rail Trail for the last part of the journey past Hornsea Mere to finish on the seafront at Hornsea

In addition to the Main coast-to-coast route there are two north-south route options. One takes you out of Leeds past the Royal Armouries and along the Aire and Calder Navigation, through Anglers Country Park and on to meet the coast-to-coast route close to Barnsley. Continuing southwards from Barnsley, there are several choices of route, including the chance to go through Thurgoland Tunnel between Oxspring and Wortley, or following the Five Weirs Walk into Sheffield city centre through the industrial heritage of the Don Valley. Whichever option you choose, it will bring you to Rother Valley Country Park. South of Rother Valley, the Trail follows the railway path to Staveley and along the canal into Chesterfield to finish within sight of the town’s famous Crooked Spire. The second north-south route links York to the main east-west route at Selby.

To help you fully discover the TPT, three full colour, waterproof route maps covering the eastern, central and western sections of the Trail, plus an accommodation and visitor guide, are available to purchase. These show the routes available for walkers, cyclists and horse riders in each area.

While the coast-to-coast route provides a challenging long distance route for keen walkers and cyclists, the Trans Pennine Trail provides lots of opportunities for days out whether you want a full day ride, a short afternoon stroll or a traffic free route where the kids can ride safely.

If simply enjoying a day on the Trail is not enough, there many attractions and places of interest along the route, including Magna, the Deep, the Royal Armouries, the historic city of York, Sheffield’s Winter Gardens, Conisbrough Castle, Selby Abbey, Hornsea Mere, Elsecar Heritage Centre and many more! Why not use the TPT as part of a day out at one of these leading attractions. You can even cycle across the Solar System, stopping off to visit the planets on the way on the TPT between Selby and York

To find out more about the Trans Pennine Trail and how to enjoy it, pick up a free leaflet from Tourist Information Centres and other outlets close to the route. Or for information contact the Trail Office on 01226 772574 or visit the TPT website at www.transpenninetrail.org.uk