The Pennine Bridleway is a new National Trail which has been purpose-built for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. When fully completed (in 2008), it will pass through the Pennine Hills from the High Peak Trail in Derbyshire to Byreness in Northumberland - a distance of 350 miles.
This National Trail guide covers the newly opened Bridleway between Derbyshire and the south Pennines. The trail uses a mix of ancient packhorse tracks, drove roads and newly-created bridleways - there are no stiles or steps, just easy-to-use gates, special road crossing points and a well signposted route.
The Pennine Bridleway is made up of 8 sections:
Section 1 - Middleton Top to Parsley Hay
Section 2 - Parsley Hay to Peak Forest
Section 3 - Peak Forest to Hayfield
Section 4 - Hayfield to Uppermill
section 5 - Uppermill to Summit
Section 6 - Summit to Lumb
Section 7 - Lumb to Hebden Bridge
Section 8 - Hebden bridge to Summit
In general terms, the 73 miles between Middleton Top and Summit (on The Mary Towneley Loop) takes 4 to 5 days on horseback. The 47 mile Mary Towneley Loop takes 3 to 4 days on horseback. The trail for horse riders starts at Hartington Station and intersects the limestone plateau of the White Peak before climbing to the more challenging terrain of the Dark Peak. From here, take on the powerful moorland landscape of Roych Clough with views to Kinder and Lantern Pike overlooking Hayfield. After a descent to Glossop, the trail climbs again with panoramic views over the Tame Valley, Oldham and Rochdale, dropping down again only for the pretty town of Uppermill.
The trail joins the Mary Towneley Loop at Summit near Littleborough. From here it follows the flanks of the hills north of Rochdale to Watergrove Reservoir and Broadley, picking up the historic Rooley Moor Road the highest point of the Loop. After passing through the small town of Waterfoot in the Rossendale Valley, the trail takes a mix of old and new tracks through Lumb and Hurstwood to the ancient Gorple Road. Passing close to the town of Hebden Bridge, it then picks up old packhorse trails to Erringdon and Bottomley over the beautiful Calder Valley and returns to Summit.
The Mary Towneley Loop
This is the ideal short break destination for horse riders. It is fully open and available for use and takes a 47 mile journey through the south Pennines. You will encounter open moorland and hidden reservoirs, ancient packhorse tracks sweeping into valleys with gritstone walls, mill chimneys and canals offering a glimpse of past histories.
The Loop is circular with several car parks for loading and unloading horses. The terrain is good surfaces on new tracks and some quiet roads. There are user-friendly gates, specially-designed crossings at main roads and clear sign posting. There are some steep sections.
The Route and Services
The best time to complete the Trail is April to October when the weather is more favourable. It follows a mix of old railways, packhorse routes and newly-created tracks. It is well signposted with easy to use gates and special road crossing points. It is strenuous in places, so you and your horse need to be fit and prepared.
- Take warm and waterproof clothing and always allow for the worst of the weather.
- In hot weather, protect yourself from the sun and carry additional water. A collapsible bucket is also useful to draw water for your horse.
- Be aware that some surfaces can be slippery in wet weather.
-Carry a map, food and water and tell someone your plans.
-Wear a safety helmet and reflective clothing.
-Carry some form of identification and a mobile phone for emergencies.
To avoid accidents and conserve the trail:
-Pass other users and livestock with care and warn others of your approach before passing them. Cyclists must give way to horse riders.
-Fasten any gates you open.
-Stay on the route, don't contaminate water and take your litter home.
-Be aware that vehicles have a legitimate right to use some sections of the trail.
-Ride at a safe and controlled pace, especially where your view is restricted.
-Horse riding groups should not take up the whole width of the path and leave space for others to pass.
Please report any problems on the Trail to The Pennine Bridleway team on 0161 237 1061.
Planning Your Trip
Along the Trail there is a large selection of accommodation, many with horse riding facilities. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the summer and bank holidays.
Parking
Horse riders who are not local to the Penine Bridleway will need to use their own transport, or make arrangements with a horse transporter. There are a number of car parks along the trail that are suitable for short stay horse box parking. For longer stays, many of the farmhouse accommodation providers are able to arrange parking for several days at a time.
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