Traffic-free cycling – Central

In the central part of the Trail there are many miles of traffic free cycling to be enjoyed. Ride along old rail lines, cycle through the foothills of the Pennines, explore the Dearne and Don Valleys, explore canal towpaths through countryside or into cities and towns. These are ideal for families with young children, inexperienced cyclists or anyone who wants to ride without the worry of traffic.

For full details of these traffic-free routes visit our shop to get a copy of the Trans Pennine Trail Central Map.

Barnsley: Dunford Bridge to Penistone

Following the Woodhead rail line on the east of the Pennines along the upper Don Valley to the attractive market town of Penistone (approx 6 miles).

Access: There is car parking at Dunford Bridge (signed from the A628 and A616) and at Penistone (behind the market, signed from the A628). The Trail can also be accessed directly from Penistone station.

Facilities: There are toilets, shops etc in Penistone.

View route on Google Maps

Barnsley: Penistone to Old Moor

Continue along the old rail line and tracks via Worsbrough to RSPB Old Moor (approx 10 miles). You need to turn off the railway at Oxspring, where a very short road section (children could wheel bike on the pavement) leads you onto Willow Lane, a picturesque packhorse route but with a climb! Off road cycle lanes and a farm lane then lead you back onto the old rail line all the way to Old Moor.

Access: There is car parking at Penistone (behind the market, signed from the A628), at Worsbrough Mill and Country Park (signed off the A61) or at the RSPB Old Moor reserve (signed off the A633). The Trail can also be accessed directly from Penistone and Silkstone rail stations.

Facilities: There are toilets, shops etc in Penistone, and shops and pub in Silkstone Common. At Worsbrough, there are toilets in the Country Park and toilets and a café at Wigfield Farm just west of Worsbrough (worth a visit with children). At Old Moor, there is a café, toilets and shop at the RSPB site.

View route on Google Maps

Barnsley: Penistone to Grenoside

Follow the old railway east from Penistone, but at Oxspring continue via Thurgoland Tunnel to Wortley (approx 4 1/2 miles), then on forest tracks through Wharncliffe Woods to Grenoside (a further 6 miles).

Access: There is car parking at Penistone (behind the market, signed from the A628), at Wortley there is a car park behind the equestrian centre (signed off the A629 just south of Wortley village) or at Wharncliffe Woods (Woodhead Road, just north of Grenoside). The trail can also be accessed from Penistone station.

Facilities: There are toilets, shops etc in Penistone and shops in Grenoside.

View route on Google Maps

Barnsley: Penistone to Upper Denby

From Penistone the Trail takes you from Millhouse Green to Upper Denby. Along the way you will visit the picturesque areas of High Bank Quarry which is now open access land, take in views of Scout Dike Res and Royd Moor Res. (route approx 4.75 miles)

Access: There is parking in Penistone near the station.

Facilities: There are lots of establishments within Penistone, Thurlstone and Upper Denby.

View on Google Maps

 Kirklees: Upper Denby to Lower Cumberworth

Some of this route can be challenging at times but the views are spectacular. Starting from Upper Denby you will follow the signs through Denby Dale, Skelmanlthorpe, Lower Cumberworth and Shelley – with the chance to take a ride on the Kirklees Light Railway! (route approx 3.5 miles)

Access: Parking available but on the roadisde (B6155) near St John’s Church. Pick up the signs for Kirklees which will start with a bridleway section.

Facilities: Local shops in Upper Denby.

View on Google Maps

Kirklees: Lower Cumberworth to Kirkburton

Again this section can be challenging but the wonderful villages along the way are certainly worth a visit. (route approx 4.5 miles)

Access: It’s easy to pick up the TPT signs from Lower Cumberworth to Plonker Lane or Shelley Woodhouse Lane which will take you into Kirkburton, travelling via Shepley and Shelley.

View on Google Maps

Barnsley: Elsecar Greenway

Follow the Trail parallel to the disused Barnsley canal from RSPB Old Moor to Elsecar Heritage Centre (approx 3 miles). There are a few roads to cross.

Access: There is car parking at Elsecar by the Heritage Centre or at the RSPB Old Moor reserve (signed off the A633). The Trail can also be accessed from Elsecar station.

Facilities: There are toilets, café and shops in Elsecar Heritage Centre. At Old Moor, there is a café, toilets and shop at the RSPB site. On route the Trail passes a retail park with a supermarket and other establishments

View route on Google Maps

Leeds – Aire and Calder Navigation towpath

From Thwaite Mills Museum follow the towpath south to Mickletown (approx 5 miles). Please note that there is currently a stepped bridge just south of Thwaite Mills which necessitates lifting and carrying your bike down to towpath level. You can also follow the towpath towards the city centre to the Royal Armouries, but there is a short section of road that can be busy and would not be suitable for young children. This route also links into new off-road routes that are being created in the Kippax Linesway and the future St. Aidan’s Country Park near Mickletown.

Access: There is parking by Thwaite Mills (follow the museum signs from major routes into the city), at Woodlesford station and Fleet Lane, Oulton (off the A642)

Facilities: There are toilets at Thwaite Mills Museum and local facilities in nearby Woodlesford and Mickletown.

View route on Google Maps

Wakefield – Barnsley Canal

The towpath of the disused Barnsley Canal from Walton through to Old Royton follows a wooded route and in places is cut through a rocky gorge (approx 3 1/4 miles). Anglers Country Park is a good place to explore this section of the Trail from. A short road section (300m) at Old Royston connects to another section of the Trail along the canal (a further 2 miles).

Access: There is a large car park at Anglers Country Park (signposted from the A638 at Crofton and from the A61 at Notton / Woolley Crossroads)

Facilities: At Anglers Country Park there is a visitor centre, café, toilets and cycle parking. The golf club near Walton (at the north end of this section) also has a café available to people on the Trail.

View route on Google Maps

Rotherham / Derbyshire – Rother Valley to Chesterfield

Rotherham – Rother Valley Country ParkFollow the old rail line from Rother Valley down to Staveley (approx 5 miles). You then have a choice of heading along the Chesterfield Canal towpath to Tapton Lock Visitor Centre (a further 4½miles) or continuing along the rail line to Inkersall Green or diverting off to Pools Brook Country Park. A combination of quiet roads and off road section link Inkersall Green to Chesterfield station. A short but busier road section allows you to complete the loop to Tapton Lock.

Access: There is ample parking at Rother Valley Country Park (charge in summer) which is signed from the M1 junction 31. There is also parking at Renishaw (on the A616) and at Pools Brook Country Park (off the A619 at Staveley). Chesterfield station also makes a good starting point.

Facilities: At Rother Valley Country Park there is a café, visitor centre, cycle hire and watersports centre (www.rothervalleycountrypark.co.uk). Refreshments and toilets are available at Tapton Lock Visitors Centre, and toilets at Pools Brook Country Park and in Staveley. There are also shops and pubs in Renishaw.

View route on Google Maps

Sheffield / Rotherham – Tinsley Canal

Cycle along the canal towpath from Meadowhall into the centre of Rotherham (approx 2 miles), on the way you could call in at the award winning Magna Science Adventure Centre (follow the signposted link route). You can return on the same route or use the train. The Trail also runs west from Meadowhall along Five Weirs Walk into Sheffield (5 miles), this is mostly off road, with some quiet road sections that would be suitable for older children.

Access: Use the train to either Meadowhall or Rotherham stations, or parking is possible near to each station.

Facilities: There are ample facilities in Meadowhall and Rotherham town centre. There is a café and toilets at Magna.

View route on Google Maps