Mapping the accessibility of the TPT in Leeds – a Volunteer’s perspective

The TPT/Sustrans Leeds volunteers were quick to respond to the call from TPT HQ to help grade the Trans Pennine Trail as part of their project to map accessibility across the Trail and help everyone enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Trail regardless of their mobility or health conditions by providing clear guidance on the accessibility of each section.

Local Authority partners and volunteers across the Trail have been asked to grade their local sections using the Peak District National Park Authority’s Miles Without Stiles (MWS) accessibility grading system of Paths For All, Paths for Many and Paths For Some.

Along with a few dedicated volunteers, I took on the task of assessing the Leeds section of the TPT, which spans over 10 miles between Leeds city centre and Methley, riding the section and discussing accessibility and potential problems while taking reference photos to illustrate our assessment, as we went along.

Credit: John Barber

Despite the challenges of coordinating volunteers, Tim, Colin and I managed to commit to the task, and we set out on a bright Thursday morning, covering the route in around 2 hours, with the obligatory café stop at Rivers Meet Cafe and Crafts.

During our ride, we were pleased to come across a couple of mobility users who were very helpful in providing information on some of the challenges they faced using the Trail and paths linking on to it.

Credit: John Barber

One was also able to provide feedback on the surface of the path between Skelton Lakes services and the TPT, which is due to become part of the National Cycle Network later this year.

We also learned that, due to access issues with the Bowstring bridge, the official TPT route has to cross lock gates without ramp access.

During the inspection ride, we were able to make several observations and suggestions regarding the accessibility of various sections of the Trail, noting the sections that were suitable for all users (Paths for All), while others had obstacles that made them less accessible (Paths for Some). We also highlighted some of the improvements needed in certain areas to make the Trail more inclusive for disabled users.

On getting home I was able to upload the photos and comments to a custom Google map which was shared with Les and other volunteers who are familiar with the Leeds section of the Trail but were unable to join us on the day, for their feedback.

This information has now been shared with TPT HQ who have used the information to update the accessibility map on the TPT website.

Overall, it was a great ride out and worthwhile exercise which we plan to do regularly as there’s always something needing a prune along the route.

John Barber – TPT/Sustrans Volunteer
Date: 4th April, 2025

The TPT Partnership is very grateful to John, Colin, Tim, Les and all the other volunteers, LA partners, Friends of the TPT, community groups, supporters, and Trail users that have already contributed to our accessible mapping project or are planning to do so over the coming weeks.

More information about the project can be found at Accessible Mapping | Trans Pennine Trail and If you’d like to get involved, please email us at info@transpenninetrail.org.uk, we’d love to hear from you as many hands make light work!

And if you would like more information about volunteering opportunities along the Trail, visit our volunteering page, here.: 

                       
Mandy Loach           Hannah Beaumont    Robert Drummond