Accessibility on the Trans Pennine Trail: So much more than access barriers 

When people hear the word accessibility, it’s often linked straight to wheelchairs or physical barriers. And while those things matter, accessibility on the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is about far more than that. 

For us, accessibility is about the whole experience — being able to find the right information before you set off, getting onto the route easily, knowing what to expect, and feeling confident you can get where you’re going. It’s about making the Trail welcoming and usable for all our users, whatever their needs, abilities or way of enjoying it. 

That includes walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and wheelers, families with pushchairs, horse riders, people using adapted cycles, those returning to activity after illness or injury, people who rely on clear signage and good contrast, and people visiting an area for the first time. The TPT is used for everyday journeys, short local strolls, family days out and long-distance adventures — and accessibility has to work for that real‑life mix. 

For many people, uncertainty is the biggest barrier. Not knowing whether a route will work for them can be enough to put them off entirely. Improving accessibility is often about giving people the confidence to choose a section that works for them and helping them avoid the kind of surprises that can spoil a trip. Everyone deserves to feel that the TPT is for them. 

A truly multiuser Trail 

Our long‑term aim is simple to say, but much harder to deliver: a fully accessible, multiuser route across the whole length of the Trans Pennine Trail. 

We’re honest about the challenges. The Trail spans hundreds of miles, crosses cities, towns and countryside, and is shaped by historic infrastructure, land ownership and geography. Accessibility isn’t a quick fix — it’s a journey. 

Sometimes improving accessibility means upgrading the existing route. In other places, it might mean promoting an alternative that offers a safer or more enjoyable experience for certain users. Accessibility doesn’t always mean forcing one route to do everything — sometimes it’s about finding the right solution for that place and those people. 

Supporting equestrians 

Horse riders are a vital part of the TPT community. Around 70% of the route is currently available to equestrians, but we know there are gaps. 

We’re working with landowners, local authorities, partners and the horse‑riding community to improve this through surfacing improvements, better connections and clearer information — all helping riders plan with confidence and enjoy the Trail safely. 

Rethinking barriers and everyday obstacles 

Barriers are one of the most visible challenges on the Trail — and not just for wheelchair users. Restrictive barriers can affect people using mobility aids, families with pushchairs, those on adapted bikes, horse riders and anyone who doesn’t fit a “standard” width. 

But accessibility is also shaped by smaller details. A pothole, loose stone, thick mud, steep camber or overgrown entrance can turn a simple outing into a difficult one. That’s why improving accessibility often means focusing on the basics: smoother surfaces, better drainage, usable widths, clear vegetation, good signage and access controls that balance safety without shutting people out. 

Accessibility beyond the Trail surface 
Physical access is only part of the picture. Digital accessibility is just as important. For some people, digital access is their way of experiencing the Trail — whether that’s planning with confidence, exploring from home, or staying connected when physical access isn’t possible. 

That’s why we’re developing tools that help people feel informed and welcome before they arrive, including Accessible Mapping, Miles Without Stiles routes, Digital Trails, Podcasts and our Take a Seat campaign. Together, these help remove uncertainty and support people to choose the right journey for them. 

A Trail for everyone 
We’re a small team working across a huge national route, so improving accessibility relies on strong partnership working — with local authorities, user groups, volunteers, charities, community organisations and people with lived experience. 

Accessibility isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about people. 

Every clearer sign, better surface and improved piece of information makes a real difference to someone. There’s more to do, but we believe this work is helping create a Trans Pennine Trail that feels welcoming, usable and relevant to more people — and we’ll keep going, step by step, mile by mile. 

If you have insight to share about what would help you plan with more confidence, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue shaping a Trail for everyone. 

Date: 27th March, 2026

         
Mandy Loach                Hannah Beaumont     Robert Drummond