The Trans Pennine Trail is a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders that links the North and Irish Seas, passing through the Pennine hills, alongside rivers and canals and through some of the most historic towns and cities in Northern England.
The Trail from coast to coast between Southport and Hornsea is 215 miles long but there is also a 75 mile north to south route which connects Leeds to Chesterfield via Wakefield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield and forms part of National Cycle Network route number 67.
Within Leeds the Trail starts near to the city centre at the Royal Armouries museum and follows surfaced paths alongside the banks of the River Aire and Aire-Calder Navigation, some 7 miles downstream to the village of Micklefield. Here a short (2 mile) on road section leads through the historic village of Methley before the Trail picks up a disused mineral railway line path leading into Wakefield district.
Along the way there is lots of wildlife to see along the river and canal corridor, including kingfishers, cormorants and terns. There is also Thwaite Mills Industrial Museum, which is right on the route, and plenty of canal boats at Woodlesford Locks and Lemonroyd moorings. Just off the trail but easily accessible from it is Rothwell Country Park, and later in 2011 there will also be the new St. Aidan’s Country Park.
Who can use the Trans Pennine Trail in Leeds?
From the Royal Armouries to Fleet Lane near Oulton the Trail is available for walking and cycling and is mostly traffic free, though there is a short detour away from the riverside via estate roads near Hunslet. There is also, unfortunately, a couple of flights of steps at Skelton Grange Road bridge which are presently unavoidable. From Fleet Bridge to Mickletown the Trail follows a bridleway so this section and the disused railway to Bottom Boat are also available to horse riders. The route is extensively signed and waymarked so should be easy to follow, and this also includes an alternative walking route from Fleet Bridge to Hungate.
Further information
For further information on the Trail in Leeds please contact the Countryside and Access section of Parks and Countryside at PROW@leeds.gov.uk or telephone 0113 395 7400.
For further information on the Trans Pennine Trail elsewhere, including comprehensive maps and guidebooks, please contact the Trans Pennine Trail Office at Transpenninetrail@barnsley.gov.uk or telephone 01226 772 574.