Chapter Six: The Magical Spur of Friendship

As Mandy Mole and her friends stood on the beach at Hornsea, Sophie Squirrel spotted a strange shimmering shape behind the Trans Pennine Trail information board.

“It’s a portal!” she squeaked.
“Maybe it leads to another part of the Trail,” said Hannah the Horse.

With a brave deep breath, Mandy Mole, Sophie Squirrel, Hannah the Horse, Connor the Caterpillar, and Rebecca Rabbit stepped through the swirling silver doorway.

WHOOSH!

They landed on a busy path in Leeds, right beside the shining Royal Armouries Museum. Everywhere they looked, people enjoyed the Trail – families walking, cyclists whizzing past, horse riders waving, runners jogging, and people using wheelchairs moving smoothly along the wide, friendly paths.

“This part of the Trail feels so alive!” Mandy Mole said.

The friends followed the route south to Wakefield, spotting signs for the Room on the Broom Adventure Trail. Sculptures peeped through the trees, making Sophie giggle.

Next, the Trail carried them to Barnsley, where they stopped at the Elsecar Heritage Centre. As they explored the old workshops, a cheerful badger popped out from behind an engine.

“Hello! I’m Bob the Badger, photographer of the Trail!” he said proudly. “Smile!” *lick! He snapped a picture of the whole group.
“Come with us!” Connor said. “We’re exploring for adventure!”

Bob happily joined, and they continued into Rotherham, where the giant Magna Science Centre towered beside the Trail. They passed more Trail users enjoying the day – children on scooters, couples walking dogs, birdwatchers with binoculars.

In Sheffield, the friends travelled along the famous Five Weirs Walk, watching the river sparkle beside them. Finally, they reached Chesterfield, where the peaceful Chesterfield Canal wound through the town.

“This Trail is full of amazing places,” Rebecca Rabbit said.
“And wonderful people,” added Hannah the Horse.
“And even more wonderful friends,” Mandy Mole said warmly.

Bob lifted his camera for one last picture. “You know… I think friendship and adventure are the greatest treasures of all.”

The group nodded.

“That’s the real gift of the Trans Pennine Trail.”

Hand in hand – or paw, hoof, and tiny caterpillar foot – the friends walked on together, ready for whatever adventure waited next.

Can you answer the questions below?
1) How do Mandy Mole and her friends begin their journey along the North–South spur of the Trail?
2) Which important museum do the friends see when they arrive in Leeds?
3) Who is the new friend they meet in Barnsley, and what is his favourite hobby?
4) Can you name two places the friends visit as they travel through Wakefield, Rotherham, Sheffield, or Chesterfield?
5) What do Mandy Mole and her friends decide is the true gift of the Trans Pennine Trail?