Pennine Bridleway National Trail
The Pennine Bridleway is the first purpose-built long distance bridleway, providing a fresh challenge for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. Once fully open it will run from the High Peak Trail in Derbyshire to Byrness, Northumberland, around 350 miles. Threading through the Pennine hills, it combines historic packhorse tracks with newly created bridleways. This National Trail is opening in stages: 120 miles from Derbyshire to the Mary Towneley Loop and the 10 mile Settle Loop in the Yorkshire Dales are already open. There are no stiles or steps, just wide open countryside, easy to use gates and special road crossing points. Derbyshire to Mary Towneley Loop is a 5-7 day horse ride/walk and a 3-5 day cycle. The Loop itself is a 3-4 day horse ride/walk and a 2-3 day cycle.
Highlights
Chee Dale Nature Reserve: Flora and fauna surround you in this vibrant green section of the Wye Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Roych Clough: Stunning views over the Kinder plateau exist on either side of this exhilarating yet peaceful classic mountain bike ride.
Rooley Moor: North of Rochdale, climb this historic track to the highest point on the Loop – a wild area of rugged natural beauty with impressive views to the proud mills of industrial Lancashire.
Settle Loop: Classic Yorkshire Dales limestone landscape surrounds this loop, including great views of the nationally important Malham Tarn.
For more info visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/penninebridleway