Family friendly cycling on the Trans Pennine Trail

In this section, we’re delighted to share family-friendly cycling routes, reviewed by Ryan – a passionate advocate for outdoor adventures with children. Ryan’s website, Family Cycling | Cycling Trips & Activities For Those With Kids, offers a heartfelt glimpse into his experiences exploring the UK’s trails with his young family. His reviews are refreshingly honest and packed with practical tips, making them a valuable resource for families looking to enjoy cycling together. From scenic paths to hidden gems along the Trans Pennine Trail, Ryan’s stories highlight the fun, accessibility, and meaningful connections that cycling can bring to families of all ages.

Dunford Bridge to Wharncliffe Woods – Ryan Gibson, familycycling.co.uk

Starting at the western end of the Trans Pennine Trail, the route from Dunford Bridge to Wharncliffe Woods offers one of the most scenic and enjoyable stretches of the trail in South Yorkshire. It follows the old Woodhead railway line, giving a largely traffic-free and gently graded path that’s perfect for walkers, cyclists, and families. It is a very social part of the trail, and we met several nice people to chat to along the way.  Read full details of the trail, here:

Denby Dale to Skelmanthorpe – Ryan Gibson, familycycling.co.uk

Starting at Gilthwaites Lane in Denby Dale (Next to Denby Dale Primary School), the route follows a trail winding through a serene mix of open fields and woodland before arriving in Skelmanthorpe. The mast at Emley Moor is always in your eyesight on this trip and although short it’s a nice simple route. Read full details of the trail, here:

Sandal Train Station to Anglers Country Park – Ryan Gibson, familycycling.co.uk

Sandal Train Station is not part of the Trans Pennine Trail, but a multi-use section has been authorised for use and it links nicely with Oakenshaw Lane in Walton to create a mostly off-road cycle experience.  Read full details of the trail, here:

Chapelthorpe to Royston – Ryan Gibson, familycycling.co.uk

This stretch of the Trans Pennine Trail runs between Chapelthorpe, a small village in Wakefield, and Royston, a residential area in Barnsley.  Read full details of the trail, here:

Skirlaugh to Hornsea – Ryan Gibson, familycycling.co.uk

Skirlaugh is a village and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, in an area known as Holderness. It is situated approximately 7 miles northeast of Hull city centre on the A165 road. Originally a farming community, it is now primarily a commuter village for Hull.  Read full details of the trail, here:

Virtually traffic-free cycling for families

There are also some sections of the Trail that follow quiet minor roads that are suitable for cycling by families with older children and those enjoy a ride with very little traffic – these include:

Selby to Hessle

Along quiet minor roads with occasional off-road stretches (up to 35 miles). Stations at Gilberdyke, Broomfleet, Brough and Hessle make a one way trip a realistic option.

Carlton to Selby

Via quiet roads, Burn airfield and the Selby canal towpath (aprox 9 miles). There is grass growing in the middle of some of the road sections.

Bentley to Snaith

A combination of old rail line and canal towpath (approx 18 miles). Please note that this route does follow a busy main road in some places.

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

Aire & Calder Navigation towpath

From Thwaite Mills Museum follow the towpath south to Mickletown (approx 5 miles). Please note that there is 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 Amouries 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 in Kippax Linesway and 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.

 Barnsley Canal, Wakefield

The towpath of the disused Barnsley Canal from Walton through to Old Royston follows a wooded route and in places is cut through a rocky gorge (approx 31/4 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 A638 at Crofton and from the A61 at Notton/Wolley cross-roads)
Facilities: At Anglers Country Park there is a visitor centre, cafe, toilets, and cycle parking. The golf club near Walton has a cafe available for people on the Trail.

Rother Valley to Chesterfield

Follow 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 41/2 miles) 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 sections 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 juntion 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 cafe, 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.

 Tinsley Canal

Cycle along the canal towpath from Meadhowhall 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 Meadhowhall 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 Meadhowhall and Rotherham town centre. Parking is possible near the to each station.
Facilities: There are facilities in Meadowhall and Rotherham town centre. There is a cafe and toilets next to Magna.

 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.

 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 road side (B6155) near St John’s Church. Pick up the signs for Kirklees which will start with a bridleway section through the fields.
Facilities: Local shops in Upper Denby.

 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. Facilities: Local shops in abundance along the way.