Welcome to 2026 – New Adventures Await on the Trans Pennine Trail! 

Hello Trailblazers, Partners, Supporters, and Friends! 

As we step into 2026, We’re delighted to welcome you all—whether you’re a seasoned Trail user, a passionate volunteer, a Local Authority partner, or one of our many supporters who make the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) such a vibrant, welcoming place. If you’re new to our community, you’re in for a treat—because the TPT is more than just a route; it’s a living, breathing network connecting people, places, and possibilities across the North of England. 

Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Connection and Community 

2025 was a year where our partnership shone brighter than ever. Thanks to the dedication of our Local Authorities, the hands-on magic of the Friends of the TPT, and the tireless work of our volunteers and community groups, the Trail has thrived. Whether you were out maintaining paths, leading local projects, or simply sharing your love of the Trail on our social media platforms, you’ve helped keep the TPT welcoming for all. 

Announcing the Circular Route Programme! 

Now for some truly exciting news: 2026 marks the official launch of our brand-new Circular Route Programme! This initiative is designed to kick-start a series of circular routes along the Trail, making it easier for everyone to enjoy new adventures—whether you’re out for a gentle stroll, a family cycle, or a day-long exploration. Circular routes mean you can start and finish at the same spot, with plenty of scenic detours, local attractions, and maybe even a cheeky café stop (we know how important those are!). 

This programme is powered by you – your support has been vital in getting this off the ground. Thanks to coming forward with suggestions for routes and how we can make the information appealing to our users, we’re looking to bring these routes to life and make the Trail even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 

Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates as new circular routes are mapped and launched.  

Watch out for our Take A Seat Campaign! 

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our Take A Seat Campaign—a project dedicated to making the Trans Pennine Trail even more comfortable and accessible for everyone! As part of this initiative, we’re mapping all existing seating along the Trail and working with partners to secure funding for new benches in key locations. But we need your help: if you have some time to spare and need an excuse to get out onto the Trail, please get in touch.  Your local knowledge is invaluable—we need you to take pictures of your local seating and their What3Words location so we can compile this information on our mapping, creating a more welcoming Trail for walkers, cyclists, families, and anyone who appreciates a well-earned rest. Every seat means more opportunities for people to pause, enjoy the scenery, and make the Trail accessible to all. To take part, simply email us at info@transpenninetrail.org.uk to find out if we’re missing the information for your area. Together, we can make every journey on the TPT a little more comfortable!  

 What’s Coming in 2026 

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the other exciting projects and priorities for the year ahead: 

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  Credit: Barry Andrews

  Accessible Mapping for All: We’re on a mission to complete the accessible mapping layer for the entire Trail, making it easier for everyone to plan their journeys and navigate the route. No more guessing where the best picnic spots are—just pure Trail enjoyment! 

• Kids Packs & Family Fun: Our Kids Packs will keep rolling out, packed with activities to inspire the next generation of Trail explorers. Plus, we’re refreshing the Kids section of our website to make it even more fun and educational. 

• Digital Trails: Building on the success of our first Digital Trail, we’re compiling new audio and video experiences—so you can explore the Trail in fresh, interactive ways. If you’d like to help with this programme, we’d love to hear from you. 

• National Trail Status Campaign: Our quest to become a National Trail continues! With 20 MPs already on board, we’re rallying support to make the TPT a national treasure for generations to come.  Huge thanks to the Friends of the TPT for their support in this campaign. 

• Volunteer Power: Our Volunteer Rangers, Friends of the TPT and local user groups remain the backbone of the Trail. We’ll keep supporting them with quarterly newsletters, fortnightly updates, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. 

• Community Engagement: From monthly videos and weekly blogs to podcasts and social media, we’re celebrating the stories, achievements, and sheer joy of Trail life. If you’ve got a story, photo, or idea—send it our way! 

Why We’re Excited 

The year ahead won’t be without its challenges—financial pressures, changing needs, and the ever-present call to do more with less. But if there’s one thing the TPT community knows, it’s resilience. Together, we’ll break down barriers, enhance accessibility, and keep the Trail a cherished resource for everyone. 

Credit: Felicity Tucker

So, here’s to 2026: a year of new adventures, shared laughter, and plenty of muddy boots. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’ve been with us since the beginning, thank you for your energy, your support, and your belief in a Trail that truly is for everyone. 

Let’s keep moving forward—together! 

Want to get involved, share your story, or just say hello? Drop us a line at info@transpenninetrail.org.uk or tag us on Facebook or Instagram. Here’s to another year of Trail magic! 

Mandy | TPT Lead Officer
Date: 9th January, 2026

         
Mandy Loach                Hannah Beaumont     Robert Drummond