Trans Pennine Trail FAQs

Hopefully these questions and other information on our website answeres your questions about the trail. If not please contact the TPT and we’ll do our best to help.

Who is responsible for maintenance of the Trail?

In most cases it is the local authority though in some instances the landowner of the land may be responsible (for example, on the Liverpool Loop Line section and the Selby to York section the land is owned by Sustrans, who are responsible for maintenance on those sections).

I live near the Trail: who is responsible for work on it in my area?

Your local authority is responsible: the 26 local authority partners across the country are each responsible for developing and building the Trail in their area. For details of who to contact at the council see the local authority contacts page. Exceptions to this are those owned by Sustrans.

Further help and information can be found on our reporting problems section.

What does TPT office do?

The TPT central office in Barnsley is responsible for coordinating the development of the Trail nationally, marketing and promotion and administering the allocation of the project grant funding.

Which sections can horse riders use?

Not the full coast to coast route, unfortunately, but many over 200 of route are available to riders. The new TPT maps clearly show all sections that are available for equestrians. Also see the Equestrian Guide for more details.

Can I ride my motorbike / quad / moped on the Trail?

The riding of any of the above or similar is not permitted on the off road sections of the Trans Pennine Trail and is illegal – you may have your bike seized and face heavy fines, and possible prosecuted for other traffic offences. Police forces across the route regularly monitor the Trail and prosecute offenders.

It you want to ride a motorbike off road legally and responsibly we suggest you contact the Trail Riders Fellowship for further information on suitable routes and rides.

Can I camp out on the Trail?

Unfortunately camping on the Trail is not allowed and you should use recognised campsites close to the route. The Trans Pennine Trail route mainly runs across private land on public rights of way or through permissive path agreements, while these provide a right for people to use the Trail, they do not provide for camping on the route. People camping on the Trail can generate complaints from land owners and in some cases could jeopardise the route in the future. So please use recognised camp sites along the Trail.

How far is the Trans Pennine Trail?

The route between Southport and Hornsea stretches for 215 miles, and the Leeds to Chesterfield route is 75 miles. Including all of the alternative routes there are 350 miles of Trail available. The TPT route maps (available in our shop) detail the distances on the route in miles and km.

To help you with planning a trip on the TPT, you can view a breakdown of the distances between key points on the Trail between Southport and Hornsea and on the north-south route from Leeds to Chesterfield.

Can I get a certificates if I complete the Trail?

If you complete the Trail you can claim your free certificate. Simply completing a stamping card as you go along the route and send it in to us at the TPT Office when you finish. Certificates available are:

• Southport to Hornsea – 215 miles
• Liverpool to Hull – 179 miles
• Liverpool to Hornsea – 192 miles
• Southport to Hull – 194 miles
• Leeds to Chesterfield – 75 miles
• Whole route (including north / south links) – 350 miles