The Trans Pennine Trail is the first long distance multi-user trail in the UK.  Stretching the breadth of Northern England, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, it is a journey of 215 miles (346km).

Added to this are the north/south route options, between Leeds, York and Chesterfield, making around 350 miles (560km) of signed route to follow along a mixture of well surfaced canal and railway paths, tracks and bridleways, footpaths, cycle lanes and minor roads.  Much of the route provides relatively easy access for trail users with disabilities and long sections are completely traffic-free and ideal for families with children.

Wakefield Council's Public Rights of Way Section are responsible for the north/south route section that runs through the Wakefield District.  This starts at Stanley Bottomboat at the M62 underpass on the Leeds/Wakefield boundary and finishes at Old Royston at the Wakefield/Barnsley boundary.