Trans Pennine Trail
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Trans Pennine Trail is a long distance path in the north of England, running largely along disused railway lines and canal towpaths, entirely on surface paths and only gentle gradients. As such, it is a very easy trail, and is suitable for cyclists, pushchairs and wheelchair users. Some parts are also open to horse riding. It forms part of the National Cycle Network.
The trail is administered from a central office in Barnsley, which is responsible for promotion and allocation of funding. However, the twenty-seven local authorities whose areas the trail runs through are responsible for management of the trail within their boundaries.
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[edit] History
The idea originated from Barnsley, where the head office is now based. Work on the Trail started in 1999. Early development was boosted by a £5-million-pound investment by the Millennium Commission. The trail was officially opened in September 2001. However, the route was not fully completed until late 2004. It cost £60 million pounds to construct.
[edit] Route
- See also: Longdendale Trail
The main west/east trail starts at Southport, then heads south through the suburbs of Liverpool, through Widnes, Warrington, Stockport and Hadfield. It then crosses the Peak District, heading up the Longdendale valley via the Longdendale Trail to Woodhead, then down through Dunford Bridge and Penistone, Doncaster, Selby, Hessle, Hull and Hornsea. This route covers 207 miles (333 kilometres).
There is also a north/south trail that runs from Leeds and through Wakefield. It then passes through Barnsley and crosses over the main trail in the Dearne Valley area. After that it continues south to Sheffield and the Rother Valley Country Park before terminating in Chesterfield. This route is 70 miles (113 kilometres) long. The route also has several deviations and loops south of the west/east trail, including one to Rotherham.
Another 15-mile (24-kilometre) spur runs from Selby to York.
The cross-continent European walking route E8 uses a stretch of the trail from Hull to near the Welsh border to cross England. It also crosses both the eastern and western routes of the European walking route E2. It is also part of the National Cycle Network (Route 62).
[edit] Certificates
Certificates are handed out for covering different parts of the trail. In order to get them trail users have to get stamps at various points along the trail.
- Southport to Hornsea - 207 miles (333 km)
- Liverpool to Hull - 179 miles (288 km)
- Liverpool to Hornsea - 192 miles (309 km)
- Southport to Hull - 194 miles (312 km)
- Whole route (including north/south links) - 350 miles (563 km)
[edit] External links
- Official Trans Pennine Trail website
- Interactive map of the western section
- Interactive map of the central section
- Interactive map of the eastern section
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