The Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail

... is a large group of people from points all across the Trans Pennine Trail (and beyond) who believe it to be a brilliant facility and wish to get involved to help promote and protect it. We are therefore an active group who support the TPT office and local authorities on their work for the Trail.

This support takes many forms, including spreading the word, doing presentations on the Trail, attending shows and events to help promote the TPT and keeping the office informed about what users think. We also campaign for the Trail and lobby agencies in order to protect it from conflicting proposals such as development on an existing section of Trail and champion potential improvements to the route. Some Friends also act as Volunteer Rangers, visiting their section of Trail regularly and acting as the eyes and ears of the TPT project.

We also have many members who just wish to keep informed about and support the TPT and join the Friends in order to do so. Not everyone needs to be an active member.

If you feel that the TPT offers you something great - be it for a quiet walk, an excursion on your horse or a bit of exercise on your bike please join us. Whether you simply want to support us or are keen to be active, we don't mind. Membership fees are used to support our work and also to keep everyone informed through the newsletter Up and Over.

Membership costs just £6 a year for ordinary members; £4 for unwaged/concessions; £10 for family/joint/clubs.

Download the Membership Form and join now!   A standing order form is available for ordinary members to pay their membership. Standing order forms are also available for other membership categories - please notify the Membership Secretary when sending in your application.

Volunteer Rangers

With 350 miles of the Trans Pennine Trail to look after, our Volunteer Rangers fill a vital role and act as our eyes and ears on the ground, while walking or riding the Trail on a regular basis. A perfect excuse to get out into the countryside (if you really need one). Each volunteer takes on a stretch of the Trail close to their home and reports problems to the TPT office for action by the relevant Local Authority. This might include issues such as litter, overhanging vegetation, damaged or missing signs and surface problems.

While all we ask is for regular trips on the Trail and reports on problems, there are a variety of other activities that our volunteers take on depending on the time they have available. These include organising clean ups on the Trail, trimming branches, putting up temporary signs and waymarkers, running guided rides or walks, and much more. While Volunteer Rangers look after their own stretch they are also get together with others in their area for work days and promotional events

The scheme operates in association with Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity that has developed the National Cycle Network. Volunteer Rangers are issued with a Ranger Handbook, hi-vis jacket, ID card and are covered by Sustrans' volunteers insurance. They also have access to Sustrans' VolunteerNet, full of resources for ranger and a discussion forum.

To find out about what work our Volunteer Rangers have been up to recently please click here.

If you want to join the Volunteer Rangers click here for a Membership Form!

To get involved or for more information contact the Trans Pennine Trail Office on 01226 772574 or e-mail on info@transpenninetrail.org.uk

For those of you who are already active Volunteer Rangers we have included a copy of our reporting form for your use.