The Trans-Pennine Trail

The TPT is "the first multi-user long-distance route in the country", eventually to run from coast to coast. It follows much of the old Woodhead railway line and Dunford Bridge is about forty minutes away by bicycle, when 'giving it some wellie'. There is an occasional small cafe near Hazlehead with good mugs of tea for the weary traveller. There was a proposal to turn an old signal box into a cafe with pushbike rentals but nothing came of it. Bicycle hire is available from the PDCP office at the top end of the Town Hall building.

Oughtibridge Tunnel Old Station - not clickable Steps to the Trail
The Trail Rockside Bridge Bullhouse Bridge Pylons and field

Before they put lights in, Oughtibridge tunnel (first shot above) was eerie and completely dark in the middle. Great fun on an aging Triumph 'Palm Beach' bike with a dim dynohub light but I spooked someone into dashing out of the far end when I made some ethereal sounds to test the acoustics. Whooo-oooh. The tall building (top centre) was Penistone railway station in the old days. The steps go from the trail to Wentworth Crescent. The stone bridge is at Rockside. The fancy steel bridge is at Bullhouse and the pylon is about a mile from Dunford.

(Below) The black trail marker sign is near a gap for the railway station, so you can bring your bike from the train direct to the trail. The blue sign is close to the skateboard park on the Showground but has now badly faded away and become an object for boyish graffiti. Next are views around the showground. The snowy fields are towards Cross Lane and Hartcliff.

To the station Trail map
Showground Towards Hartcliff
Trail
Cemetery
The cemetery was opened August 1880 after Penistone churchyard became too full. Being adjacent to the trail, a well-established but unofficial entry point leads through the fence to the dead centre of Penistone, Stottercliffe cemetery. Until the mid-nineties, two dilapidated old chapels stood in the centre of the cemetery. I heard that one was for Catholics and the other for Anglicans but I don't think they were ever used in my lifetime. I saw workmen carefully laying out the stones from a rose window on the ground but I have no idea where it ended up.

Cemetary Cemetery Cemetary

Urban Art
I think these 2003 paintings by the trail, near Spring Vale, were good and more art than graffiti. The first one said: 'George Stevenson invented the rocket - and launched it'. Stevenson's Rocket was, of course, the name of the world's first practical steam locomotive. I'm not sure what some of the other writing says so I hope it was nothing rude.

Art 1 Art 3 Art 5
Art 4 Art 2
The TPT Code of Conduct
For all users:
  • Treat other trail users will consideration and courtesy
  • Do not disturb nearby residents or livestock
  • Keep dogs under control and do not allow them to foul where people walk
  • Take your litter home or place in the nearest available bin.
  • Do not pollute or bathe in the rivers or canal

Cyclists:

  • Ride responsibly and give way to other users
  • Consider wearing a safety helmet
  • Use a bell/warn of your approach

Horse Riders:

  • Ride responsibly and keep to the bridal route where available
  • Wear a safety helmet

Contact Details:

The Countryside Unit
BMBC
Planning and Transportation Service
Central Offices
Kendray Street
Barnsley
S70 2TN

Tel: 01226 772567
transpenninetrail@barnsley.gov.uk

A small booklet available locally gives full details. This trail is for walkers and cyclists, with long stretches suitable for horse riders.
Another booklet 'Through Scenes of Surpassing Loveliness' has been produced for walkers.

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