Art, community and ‘pause points’ on the Trans Pennine Trail 

The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is often described in miles, maps and destinations – coast to coast routes, weekend loops, commuting links and family rides. But for many users, what makes the Trail memorable is simpler: the places where you naturally slow down. A view that opens up unexpectedly. A riverside stretch that changes with the seasons. A quiet bench that invites you to stop for a moment. 

In the Dearne Valley, one such ‘pause point’ is a sculptural bench created by Dan Jones, an internationally renowned sculptor from Barnburgh. The bench was commissioned through the River Dearne artist commissions (delivered through the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership project), demonstrating how creative work can enhance the experience of green and blue spaces – without changing what people love about them. 

What makes this story particularly special is the public involvement. The bench originally featured red glass ‘flames’, made by local people at a community engagement session at Old Moor. Those glass elements didn’t survive for long outdoors, but the heart of the piece did: the bench remains in place, relatively untouched, and actively used. It’s a reminder that when the Trail includes things made with communities (not just for them), people feel a sense of ownership and pride. 

Why ‘small’ features make a big difference
Seating, artworks, way-markers and other small features can have an outsized impact. A bench can extend a journey for someone who needs regular rest points. A landmark can help people navigate confidently. A welcoming place to pause can encourage new users – families, less confident cyclists, older walkers, people using mobility aids – to try the Trail and come back again. 

These features also shape how we feel on the Trail. They create moments of calm, conversation and connection – turning a linear route into a series of shared places. For regular users, they become meeting points. For first‑timers, they become the moment they decide: “Yes, I’d do this again.” 

Dan has since created other much‑loved local works too, including pieces at Worsbrough such as the Wishing Tree and the Bird Hide Screen – further examples of how art can sit naturally in the landscape and add another layer to a walk, ride or run. 

Dan Jones

For details of this commission please visit: Dan Jones – Discover Dearne 

For further details of Dan’s fantastic work, please visit: https://www.danjonessculpture.com/ I info@danjonessculpture.com  

Dan has also got first hand experience in using the TPT, recently cycling the coast-to-coast route with his Dad, Peter Fraser Jones, to celebrate his 80th birthday!  On this adventure they experienced the cattle over Woodhead, enjoyed the crossing of the locks at Manchester Ship Canal (on which his Dad was a design engineer), wonderful gelato at Humber Bridge on Hessle Foreshore topped off with great fish and chips at Hornsea.  His Dad has also previously ridden the length of Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and in the Arctic Circle, Norway back to Barnburgh, plus Land’s End to John O’Groats together when Dan was at university.  

Date: 15th May, 2026