Reaching new heights – a new marker for the TPT highest point

2024 marked the 35th anniversary of the Trans Pennine Trail, and my father and I wanted to do something special to celebrate. The TPT Office were already making plans to mark the midpoint of the route, and we thought it would be fitting to place a new marker at the highest point of the Trail as well.

Originally, the highest spot on the TPT was marked by a very large stone which had an engraved brass plaque. You might be wondering why we’re replacing the marker. Well, the brass plaque had a habit of disappearing! It seems some people like souvenirs a little too much! After replacing it a couple of times, we decided it was time for a more permanent solution.

To make this happen, we contacted the Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail for support, and they were able to help us cover the cost of the new marker through their Small Grant Fund.

I am lucky to live just less than 100 metres from the TPT and fortunate to live near Baines Memorials in Hyde, a local stonemason who is also situated close to the Trail. As luck has it, they had a perfect piece of Yorkstone in their workshop which was just the right size for our new marker. Yorkstone is ideal material for the marker as it has a beautiful texture and weathers well in harsh climates and will blend perfectly into the rural landscape next to the moorland heathers and shrubs. Baines Memorials were pleased to help us engrave the plaque and even more excited to be part of this special project, so many thanks to Mark and Steve for doing such a great job!

Before proceeding, we made sure to get the necessary permissions from Barnsley Council. They were very supportive and even offered to install the marker themselves to ensure it met all highways regulations.

It was extremely important to make sure that we had the exact position for the highest point, so I picked a nice late summer afternoon and using GPS on our phones and Sat Nav on my car, I drove up with my family to the approximate location. We knew from the previous stone, roughly where it was but for some unknown reason the old stone, although it was still on the TPT was quite a bit further down the hill, across the A628 on Saltersbrook.

We knew Windle Edge was where the TPT apex was, and it has a quiet ‘B’ road which runs from the A628 (Woodhead Pass) down to Dunford Bridge. We could see the crest of the hill on Goddard Lane and so using our technology we homed in on the exact position. Once we found it, I confirmed the location on Google Earth which gives you an altitude above sea level as well as GPS co-ordinates, it just so happens that there is a very small layby at the spot so you can just squeeze a car in to park.

It has now been registered on Google Maps as a point of interest, and to find it, just search for ‘Trans Pennine Trail Highest Point’ or click here.  You can also find it using what3words: ///mistaking.primary.studio.

Work started on preparing the ground for the marker at the beginning of December with the stone finally being laid in position on December 19th thanks to the hard work of Barnsley Council Rangers, Damen and Joel.

This spot offers a breath taking panoramic view across Upper Windle Reservoir and gives a true sense of accomplishment for those who reach it at 433 metres (1420 ft) above sea level.

It was great to take a walk up to the marker on Christmas Day and we hope it will be enjoyed by Trans Pennine Trail users for years to come as they make the ascent along the Trail from Woodhead (from the west) or Dunford Bridge (from the east).

Next time you’re tackling this iconic Trail, be sure to make your way to the highest point, snap a selfie with the marker, and share it with us on social media using #TPThighestpoint!

Thanks to Mandy, Hannah and Robert in the TPT National Office, Peter Brocklehurst (my Dad) who is a Trustee of the Friends of the TPT, Sarah Ford (Barnsley Council’s Senior Rights of Way Officer) and Baines Memorials for making it happen.

Here’s to celebrating 35 years of the Trans Pennine Trail and marking this milestone with a beautiful new marker at its highest point. We hope it stands the test of time and becomes a cherished part of the Trail for years to come.

Pete Brocklehurst
Date: 24th January 2025