Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail – the UK’s most iconic coast to coast in 7 days
Bike Touring Collection by komoot
7
days
3-4 h
/ day
243 mi
5,525 ft
5,500 ft
Majestic eagles circle over vast wetlands, peaceful cycling paths lead through lush green nature and past industrial docks that once changed the course of history; all this and more awaits you as you cycle the Trans Pennine Trail from one coast of northern England to the other.
This Collection will guide you along one of the most famous cycling routes in the UK, the Trans Pennine Trail, a popular coast to coast. With gradual gradients, detailed signposting and mostly traffic-free cycle paths along former railway lines, rivers and canals, the Trans Pennine Trail is perfect for riders of all ages and abilities.
Starting in the coastal town of Southport, you will cycle 215 miles (264 km) through some of the UK’s most dramatic scenery and interesting history. The Collection is broken down into seven rides ranging from 27 miles (45km) to 46 miles (75km) in length. As the paths are well maintained, you do not need a high-end road bike or mountain bike to depart on your adventure, any type of bike will serve you well.
Your journey will take you through some of Northern England's most impressive cities such as Manchester and Liverpool as well as the peaceful countryside of the Peak District and through the Pennines. The diverse cultural sites and landscape mean there is something for everyone in this Collection; whether you are a family with young children, nature lover, or history buff.
As each day finishes in a town or city, you will find plenty of comfortable accommodation as well as restaurants to regather your energy for your following day in the saddle. You can also easily choose to only ride a specific section of the route as the trail is easily accessible by train.
Your journey begins in Southport, a seaside resort boasting the oldest pier in the UK and world-famous golf clubs. With direct rail connections from London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, Southport is easily accessible by train.
For more information about the Trans Pennine Trail, visit: transpenninetrail.org.uk
For train tickets and timetables, visit: thetrainline.com/destinations/trains-to-southport
On The Map
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Last updated: November 29, 2021
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Tours & Highlights
- 04:2946.3 mi10.3 mph600 ft600 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Fragrant sea air, green rolling countryside, calm lakes, and cities brimming with culture await you on your first day cycling the Trans Pennine Trail.
Your day begins from Southport, a large seaside town next to the Irish Sea with plenty of character. Heading off along the seafront, you will soon turn…
by komoot
- 04:2835.6 mi8.0 mph825 ft550 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
Today’s leg of your journey along the Trans Pennine Trail takes you past pristine lakes, pretty villages of terracotta stone, and through the outskirts of Manchester, one of the most famous cities in the UK.
Starting from Warrington, the 35-mile (57 km) route is relatively flat, with only small and gradual…
by komoot
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- 03:5730.5 mi7.7 mph2,025 ft1,600 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
Meandering rivers carve through vast moors and dales, historic stone walls line pastures of grazing sheep, quaint villages hold centuries of unique history – stage three of the Trans Pennine Trail takes you through the Peak District National Park, and it does not disappoint.
Today, you face the most…
by komoot
- 03:0829.5 mi9.4 mph875 ft1,525 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today, you will cycle past regal medieval castles, through wide open parklands and thick forests, along meandering rivers and through what was once the industrial heart of the world.
With only 270 meters (885 feet) of ascent and 470 meters (1540 feet) of descent, stage four of the Trans Pennine Trail…
by komoot
- 04:3237.2 mi8.2 mph275 ft300 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Stage five of the Trans Pennine Trail is the flattest of all the routes. Today, you will only gain 80 meters (262 feet) across the 38-mile (62 km) stretch.
Setting off from Doncaster, you soon will reach the New Junction Canal after riding 8-miles (13 km) on minor roads and bike lanes through the city…
by komoot
- 03:1230.6 mi9.5 mph275 ft250 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Your sixth day of cycling the Trans Pennine Trail is a pleasurable 28-mile (45 km) stretch from Heminborough to Brough. Following the Humber tidal estuary, the route is mostly flat and you have no major climbs today.
Rejoining the River Ouse at Heminborough, you will pass through the small village parish…
by komoot
- 03:5433.7 mi8.6 mph650 ft675 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Your final day of cycling the Trans Pennine Trail runs from Brough to the end of the trail in Hornsea. Today, you can expect vast expanses of water, bustling industrial cities, tranquil bike paths, and white beaches.
From Brough, you will rejoin the Humber estuary at North Ferriby and continue to follow…
by komoot
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance243 mi
- Duration27:41 h
- Elevation5,525 ft5,500 ft
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