With just over two weeks left to take part in our Visitor Survey, we wanted to share a little sneak peek at what people have told us so far and ask for your help to keep the responses coming in.

The survey closes on Monday 14^th September, and we’ve already had a brilliant response, with nearly 600 people taking the time to tell us how they use the Trail, what they value most and where they think improvements could be made.

It has been fantastic to read through the feedback and see just how much the Trail means to people, whether it’s used for a daily walk, a weekend bike ride, a quieter commute, a horse ride, volunteering, family time or simply a chance to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

We’re really grateful to everyone who has completed the survey so far. To make sure the results reflect the full range of people who use, care for and live near the Trail, we’d love even more responses before the deadline – so please do keep sharing it with friends, family, local groups, networks and communities.

Complete the Trans Pennine Trail Visitor Survey

Here’s a sneak peek at the results so far:

TPT office

The early responses are really encouraging. People are telling us that they value the Trans Pennine Trail as a place to be active, spend time in nature, support their health and wellbeing, and enjoy traffic-free routes across towns, cities, countryside and communities.

A place people value

One of the strongest messages coming through is how much the Trail is valued. Around three-quarters of respondents have rated their satisfaction as high or very high, and almost all say they would recommend it to others.

For many, the Trail is part of everyday life: somewhere familiar, free and accessible to walk, wheel, cycle, ride, meet others or take a bit of time out.

Supporting health, wellbeing and access to nature

TPT office

We’ve heard from people who use the Trail to walk or cycle more often, improve their fitness, reduce stress and spend more time in green and blue spaces. This kind of feedback is really useful because it helps show the wider value the Trail brings, not just as a route, but as a place that supports healthier, happier communities.

How people are using the Trail

Walking and cycling are currently the most common reasons people use the Trail, with many visiting alone, with family or with friends. We’ve also heard from lots of regular users, which says a lot about the Trail’s importance as a well-loved local route as well as a long-distance trail.

What could be improved?

Tim Buckle

Of course, people have also been honest about where things could be better, which is just as important. The most common themes so far include surface quality, drainage, signage, route information, vegetation management and accessibility.

These comments help us understand what matters most on the ground and give us useful evidence for future conversations with partners, funders and decision-makers.

Ideas for the future

There have also been some really helpful ideas for the future, including more circular routes, family-friendly loops, clearer route updates, improved mapping and better online information. It’s great to hear these ideas coming through, as many of them align with our own thinking too – so watch this space!

Help us reach even more Trail users

TPT office

The more responses we receive, the stronger and more representative the survey will be. We want to hear from all kinds of Trail users, including walkers, wheelers, cyclists, horse riders, wheelchair and mobility aid users, commuters, local residents, visitors, families, volunteers and community groups.

If you’ve used the Trail this year, please complete the survey before Monday 14^th September. If you’ve already completed it, please help us by sharing it with anyone else who may have views to contribute.

We also have posters available for anyone who can help spread the word locally. If you know a community space, workplace, café, library, visitor centre or meeting point that could display one, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to provide one.

TPT office

Thank you to everyone who has shared their feedback so far. Your views help us celebrate what is working well, understand where improvements are needed and make the case for continued investment in the Trans Pennine Trail.

Please do contact the TPT National Office at info@transpenninetrail.org.uk for more information.

Hannah Beaumont
Date: 28th August, 2026