Been there, done that… got the stamp! 

There’s a moment on every good journey where you pause, look back at how far you’ve come, and think: yes – this is exactly why I’m here. On the Trans Pennine Trail, those moments might come with a sea breeze at the coast, a quiet canal stretch, a café stop you hadn’t planned, or a friendly chat with someone who’s travelled the Trail before you. 

The Trans Pennine Trail Stamping Scheme is designed to capture those moments – turning your journey into a story you can take home with you. 

Whether you’re tackling the Trail coast to coast, exploring a shorter section close to home, or slowly chipping away, a section at a time,  the stamping scheme adds a little extra meaning to every mile. All you need to do is download your stamping card, get it stamped as you travel, and claim a FREE completion certificate to mark your achievement. 

It’s simple, flexible and entirely up to you – just like the Trail itself. 

As you move along the route, stamping stations pop up in some of the most welcoming and interesting places along the way. Cafés, pubs, museums, visitor centres and community spaces open their doors to Trail users, offering a warm stop-off point and a stamp that marks another chapter in your journey. Each one becomes part of your story – proof of the places you’ve passed through and the time you’ve spent on the Trail. 

And if you arrive at a stamping station to find it closed, there’s no need to worry. A quick photo taken along the way is perfectly fine as evidence, so your adventure never has to pause. 

One of the things people love most about the scheme is how personal it feels. You don’t have to rush, follow a set timetable or complete the Trail in one go. Some people set off from the coast with a big goal in mind, while others collect stamps gradually over months or even years. However you choose to travel – on foot, by bike, on horseback or by wheel – the scheme is there to celebrate your journey. 

Along the way, you’ll discover stamping stations that are destinations in their own right. At the western end, Southport Library / The Atkinson gives a real sense of occasion – a fitting place to begin or end a coast-to-coast adventure. Further along, places like Riverbank Coffee in Urmston make for a perfect mid-journey pause, while RSPB Old Moor offers the chance to combine Trail time with nature and wildlife. On the north–south route, Tapton Lock Visitor Centre in Chesterfield is a classic Trail landmark and a favourite stop for many users. 

We’re also delighted to welcome three new stamping stations to the scheme, giving Trail users even more great places to stop and explore: 

• Common Ground Coffee in Northenden, Trafford – a brilliant new addition for anyone passing through the Manchester area. 

• The Rope & Anchor at Dunham Massey, Altrincham – a well placed and welcoming stop on this popular stretch of the Trail. 

• Alexandra Hotel and Public House in Hull – offering a warm welcome for those reaching the eastern end of their journey. 

Each new station strengthens the network of places supporting Trail users and helps connect local businesses and communities with the people travelling past their doors. 

Once your card has been stamped by the stations along your selected route, claiming your FREE completion certificate is the final, satisfying step. It’s a small thing, but it means a lot – a tangible reminder of the miles covered, the effort put in, and the memories made along the way. 

And if you enjoy sharing your adventures, we love seeing your journeys on social media. Photos of muddy boots, café stops, scenic views and completed cards all help tell the story of the Trail through the people who use it. 

The stamping scheme works because of the fantastic local places that take part and it’s always growing. If you run (or know) a café, pub, attraction, community venue or independent business near the Trans Pennine Trail, it’s never too late to join the scheme. Taking part is completely free, and we provide the stamp and support needed to get started. It’s a simple way to welcome Trail users and be part of their journey. 

So, if you’re heading out on the Trail – for a day, a weekend or something bigger – why not download your stamping card and see where the journey takes you? 

Because sometimes, it’s the small marks along the way that make the biggest adventures memorable.

Hannah | TPT Senior Development Officer
Date: 27th March, 2026

         
Mandy Loach                Hannah Beaumont     Robert Drummond