Pennine Bridleway National Trail, Mary Towneley Loop north to Cumbria

Mary Towneley Loop to Cumbria

Cyclists on the Settle Loop Mark ButlerŠNatural England

The latest section of the Pennine Bridleway to open runs from the top of the Mary Towneley Loop in the South Pennines to just south of Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, a distance of 85 miles.  The route crosses a whole range of varied countryside from the initial hilly start in the South Pennines to the gentler terrain of the Ribble Valley before climbing again into the stunning limestone scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.  The latter stretches of the Trail through the Dales and into Cumbria are fairly remote but worth tackling for the views as well as the challenge.

Maps to download

We have produced a series of 8 OS based maps showing the route and other useful information including the location of facilities & other advice and information.  These are available to download at the foot of this page.  The maps are designed to be printed at A4 size.  The overview map provides a key to the map series as well as offering hints and tips for using the Trail. 

Accommodation on this section

The maps do not list accommodation on the route, this can be found by visiting our accommodation page here.  This will allow you to search for what you require and produce a pdf of your selection to print off as required.  Please note that at the present time we are still adding to and verifying this information and there appear to be a few glitches with the database! As a temporary arrangement we have therefore added simplified lists of accommodation to the downloads at the foot of this page.

For further information on accommodation we suggest that you contact the local tourist information centres. Some helpful links are provided in the right hand column.

Things to Note

A65 Long Preston

We are still working to secure a single linear route to a safe crossing of the A65 at Long Preston.  A light controlled crossing is available in the centre of the village for walkers and cyclists on foot.  If considering using existing roads on horseback the road is quietest early morning or evening.

Wycoller

A temporary diversion to the intended route will be in place for a few months after the official opening immediately after passing through the village of Wycoller, this will be signed.

Links at the northern end of the Trail

A link route has been identified that can carry all Trail users to the nearest village, Ravenstonedale.  An additional link route to the station at Kirkby Stephen has also been identified although work is still required in the vicinity of Wharton Hall.  

A route description can be found at the foot of the page - this should enable Trail users to mark up their own copies of the relevant OS Explorer maps.