The Pennine Bridleway National Trail is being developed as the first purpose-built long distance bridleway for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers.

Pennine Bridleway

Natural England has been working with partners to develop the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, the first purpose-built long distance bridleway for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers.

Once fully open it will run from the High Peak Trail in Derbyshire to Byrness, Northumberland.  It will be around 350 miles long.  120 miles of it - from Derbyshire to the 47-mile circular Mary Towneley Loop and the 10-mile circular Settle Loop in north Yorkshire - are currently open.

Much of the Pennine Bridleway is along historic routes and trails following the flanks of the Pennines.  The Trail starts gently following the High Peak Trail along a disused railway, passing through the limestone plateau of the  White Peak.  This area is characterised by features such as small limestone walled fields and green pastures, cut through by beautiful deep-wooded limestone dales. 

In spring and summer, Wye Dale, Chee Dale and Haydale are rich in limestone-loving flowers and butterflies whilst nearby some of the prettiest villages in Derbyshire offer a welcome break for travellers.  

The Pennine Bridleway becomes more challenging as it rises across the limestone plateau towards the millstone grit of the Dark or High Peak area, where the scenery changes to more open fields and purple heather moors.  The Trail follows the line of the Packhorse Road, from Tideswell via Peak Forest to Hayfield, the first of many ancient packhorse tracks -some dating back to medieval times - that can be found along the way.

Highlights

  • Flora and fauna in the vibrant, clean and green Chee Dale Nature Reserve, part of the Wye Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest
  • Stunning views over the Kinder plateau either side of the exhilirating yet peaceful Roych Clough (one of Britain's classic mountain bike rides)
  • Panoramic views of the Pennines and valleys in Calderdale, Rochdale and Lancashire; scenic views over Widdop, Hurstwood and Watergrove reservoirs; the six-compartmented water trough at Mankinholes, the Rochdale Canal
  • Classic Yorkshire Dales limestone landscape surrounding the Settle Loop, including great views of the nationally important Malham Tarn.  

Visit the Pennine Bridleway website and start planning your trip on it!