The Trans Pennine Trail in 2025 – A Year of Community, Connection, and Change

A Trail That Connects More Than Places
The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) isn’t just a path across the North of England – it’s a living, breathing community. Stretching over 370 miles from Southport to Hornsea and linking cities like Leeds, Chesterfield, and York, the TPT is a haven for walkers, cyclists, wheelers, horse riders, and families alike. But what truly makes the Trail special is the people who use it, shape it, and share their stories each year.

Record Engagement and Evolving Journeys
This year’s Visitor Survey, with 741 responses, paints a vibrant picture of the Trail’s users. A record 99% of respondents are regular users, showing that the TPT is more than a one-off adventure – it’s part of daily life for many. In fact, daily use jumped from 12% last year to 20% in 2025, while weekly users now make up 21%. The Trail’s appeal as a family destination remains strong, with family groups and solo adventurers each representing 29% of users.

Diversity, Inclusion, and New Challenges
The TPT continues to attract a diverse range of people, but the report highlights areas for growth. While the majority of users are “White British,” there’s a call to reach more underrepresented communities and younger users. The Trail’s accessibility is improving, with 89% rating it as good or excellent, but there’s a renewed push to encourage responses from those using mobility aids.

Wellbeing, Nature, and the Power of Community
Why do people love the TPT? The top reasons in 2025 are enjoying the countryside, spending time with family and friends, and supporting mental wellbeing. Notably, the focus on mental health has paid off, with more users citing it as a key motivation. The Trail is also a powerful force for physical health – 85% say it helps them be more active, and 37% now use it for daily exercise.

Satisfaction and Suggestions
Satisfaction is soaring: 96% of users are satisfied or very satisfied, and 75% rate their experience as high or very high. Users praise improvements in signage, surfacing, and safety, but also highlight areas for further action – like better benches, more circular routes, and continued work on accessibility.

Economic Impact
The Trail isn’t just good for the soul – it’s good for local economies. In 2025, the average daily spend per user was £42.88, with cyclists contributing the most. However, there’s been a notable drop in “Purple Pound” spending (by users with disabilities), prompting renewed efforts to engage and support this group.

Looking Ahead: Actions and Ambitions
The TPT Partnership is listening. Despite strong usage, not all Trail users are represented in the survey. The report identifies several groups who are underrepresented:
Younger users: Fewer respondents under 50, despite evidence that children and young adults use the Trail as part of family or group outings.
Ethnic minorities: Low response rates from non-White British users, even though the Trail is regularly used by diverse groups.
People with disabilities: Very few responses from those using mobility scooters or wheelchairs, despite efforts to improve accessibility.
“Purple Pound” spenders: A significant drop in reported spending by users with disabilities, suggesting underrepresentation in survey data.

How Can We Reach New Audiences and Capture Missing Voices?
Reaching new audiences and ensuring every voice is heard on the Trans Pennine Trail is a journey in itself – one that calls for creativity, openness, and a genuine commitment to inclusion. To make the annual survey more accessible, the TPT Partnership is exploring ways to break down barriers. This means offering the survey in multiple languages, so non-native English speakers can share their experiences just as easily as anyone else. For those with visual or cognitive impairments, alternative formats such as easy-read, audio, or large-print versions are being developed, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate. Even the Trail itself becomes a platform for engagement, with QR codes on signage and at key access points inviting users to complete the survey during or after their visit.

Engaging younger people and families is another vital step. By partnering with schools along the Trail, the team can distribute leaflets and digital materials that encourage children to share their stories and families to get involved. Social media campaigns, tailored to platforms popular with younger audiences, use engaging content and incentives to spark interest and boost survey participation.

The drive to reach underrepresented communities is equally important. Through community outreach, the TPT Partnership is building relationships with local groups, faith organisations, and cultural associations, ensuring that the Trail and its survey are visible and welcoming to all.

But it’s not just about attracting new users – it’s also about valuing those who return time and again, as well as the so-called “invisible” users whose voices may not always be heard. By creating feedback loops and sharing “You Said, We Did” stories in newsletters and on the website, the Partnership demonstrates that user feedback leads to real, tangible improvements.

Finally, the power of existing networks is harnessed to spread the word even further. Supporters and volunteers are encouraged to act as survey ambassadors, inviting friends, family, and fellow Trail users to take part. Local businesses – cafés, bike shops, and accommodation providers – are also enlisted to display survey information and encourage participation.

Together, these efforts form a tapestry of inclusion, ensuring that the future of the Trail is shaped by the diverse voices of everyone who enjoys it.

Why This Matters
A more accurate, inclusive survey means better decisions for the future of the Trail. It ensures that improvements reflect the needs of all users, not just the most vocal. By reaching out to new audiences and capturing the voices of those already enjoying the TPT, we can build a Trail that truly belongs to everyone.

Join the Journey
The TPT’s story is one of community, connection, and continuous improvement. Whether you’re a regular, a first-timer, or someone considering a visit, your voice matters. The Trail is shaped by its users – so keep sharing your experiences, and together, let’s make the TPT even better for everyone.

Inspired to get involved? The TPT is always looking for new friends and volunteers. And if you took part in the survey – thank you! Your feedback is helping to shape the future of one of the UK’s most cherished trails.

Date: 14th November, 2025

              
Mandy Loach            Hannah Beaumont    Robert Drummond