A New Journey Begins: Proud to become Patron of the Trans Pennine Trail

Ed Clancy OBE | South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

When I was asked to become Patron of the Trans Pennine Trail, it didn’t take long for me to say yes. 

As someone born and raised in Barnsley, this role feels particularly special. Barnsley isn’t just my hometown. It’s also where the vision for the Trans Pennine Trail first began, before growing into the incredible coast-to-coast route that today connects communities, landscapes and visitor destinations across the North of England.  

Many people know me because of my cycling career. I was fortunate to represent Great Britain around the world and achieve things that as a young lad from South Yorkshire I could only dream about. But long before the medals, championships and Olympic Games, I was simply someone who enjoyed getting out on a bike. 

What cycling gave me was much more than sport. It gave me freedom, confidence, independence and opportunities. It allowed me to discover new places, meet new people and see the world from a different perspective. Most importantly, it taught me how valuable accessible, welcoming routes and spaces can be in helping people lead happier, healthier lives.  

That is one of the reasons I believe the Trans Pennine Trail is so important. 

The Trail means something different to everyone who uses it. For some, it’s part of their daily journey to work or school. For others, it’s a place to walk the dog, enjoy nature, ride a horse, explore with family, exercise, improve wellbeing or meet friends. Some people use the Trail for adventure, while others use it simply because it provides a safe and accessible place to get outdoors. 

As Patron, one of the things I’m most looking forward to is meeting the people who bring the Trail to life. 

Over the coming months and years, I hope to spend time meeting walkers, wheelers, cyclists, horse riders, volunteers, Friends groups, local businesses, community organisations and partner authorities. I want to hear your stories and better understand what the Trail means to you. 

What do you value most about the TPT? 

What challenges do you face? 

What could make your experience even better? 

How can the Trail continue to welcome people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds? 

These conversations matter because the people who use the Trail every day are the real experts. They understand its strengths, recognise its potential and care deeply about its future. 

I also want to use my role to help champion the Trail wherever I can. 

Whether that’s raising awareness of the benefits of active travel, supporting accessibility improvements, celebrating the many volunteers who give their time, promoting the Trail’s rich heritage or helping more people discover what is on their doorstep, I want to be a voice that supports the incredible work already taking place across the partnership. 

What has impressed me most since becoming Patron is the passion of the people involved. The Trans Pennine Trail doesn’t exist because of one organisation. It thrives because local authorities, volunteers, Friends groups, community organisations and many other partners work together with a shared purpose.  

That collaborative spirit is something worth celebrating and protecting. 

The Trail has an exciting future ahead. From improving accessibility and encouraging sustainable travel, to sharing heritage stories and inspiring future generations to explore the outdoors, there are countless opportunities to build on the successes achieved so far. 

As Patron, I’m honoured to play a small part in that journey. 

If you see me out on the Trail, please stop and say hello. I’d love to hear your story, learn what the Trail means to you and find out how, together, we can continue making the Trans Pennine Trail an even better place for everyone. 

I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead. 

Ed Clancy OBE | Patron, Trans Pennine Trail Partnership 
18th September, 2026