Why the Trail Matters More Than Ever: Insights from Reconomics 3.0

If you use the Trail regularly – whether it’s a short walk for fresh air, a weekday commute by bike, a gentle route you can manage with a mobility aid, or a ride out on your horse – you’ll already know the benefits. But recent UK-wide research helps put those benefits into words (and numbers) that decision-makers can’t ignore. 

The Reconomics 3.0 report (January 2026) sets out the economic, health and social value of outdoor recreation across the UK. Its message is simple: outdoor activity isn’t just “nice to have”, it’s a major national asset—and routes like ours are part of the everyday infrastructure that makes it possible. 

The headline figures (UK-wide): 

• 34 million people take part in outdoor recreation, including 1.9 million children and young people.  That’s 3.1 million more people than 10 years ago, with growth driven by activities ranging from hill and mountain walking to newer adventure sports. 

• Outdoor recreation supports around 1 million full-time jobs (or equivalent) and contributes £22bn annually to the UK economy. 

• It also supports domestic tourism: 29.3 million trips a year (about 25% of all UK overnight trips) include outdoor leisure activities, with £8.4bn spent on those trips. 

• The report estimates £5.06bn a year in savings to the NHS linked to prevention and reduced demand – equivalent to almost 15 million fewer GP visits each year. 

• The equestrian industry generates £5bn and is the second-largest rural employer after farming. 

• The overall “primary value” (wellbeing benefit to individuals) is estimated at £41.79bn per year. 

What this means for Trail users: 

1) The Trail supports health – quietly, every day. 

Reconomics 3.0 links outdoor recreation to major health benefits and significant NHS savings. For many people, a safe, accessible path is the difference between being active and staying indoors. When routes are well-maintained and easy to use, more people can build outdoor activity into normal life – little and often. 

2) Trails help local places thrive. 
Outdoor recreation supports jobs and spending, especially in rural areas. That includes the everyday businesses Trail users rely on: cafés, pubs, accommodation, bike shops, visitor attractions, and local services. A well-used Trail keeps footfall moving through communities and helps sustain local economies. 

3) Access still isn’t equal – and improving it matters. 
The report highlights a clear gap linked to deprivation: outdoor recreation engagement is 21% in the third of the country facing the greatest deprivation, compared with 32% in the least deprived third. That’s why improvements many Trail users ask for – better surfaces, clearer signs, safer crossings, inclusive access points, and good links to public transport – aren’t “extras”. They help make outdoor recreation possible for more people. 

How you can help (quick and practical) 

If you’d like to support the Trail and the wider case for outdoor recreation: 

• Heather Woodhead

  Share your Trail story: commuting, recovery, family time, mental wellbeing, training – real experiences help show the Trail’s impact. 

• Report issues when you spot them: surface problems, vegetation, signage, access barriers – small, early reports help prevent bigger problems. Email info@transpenninetrail.org.uk or post your issues on our social media platforms. 

• Bring someone along: a short, low-pressure first outing can be the biggest confidence boost for a new user. 

• Support the Trail if you can: volunteering, joining as a Friend, or sharing official updates helps protect and improve the route. 

Reconomics 3.0 is a strong reminder that outdoor recreation makes the UK healthier, happier, and more resilient – and it only works if the places we rely on are looked after. Thank you for being part of that story every time you use the Trail. 

Read the full report, at: https://sportandrecreation.org.uk/files/reconomics-3-0-2026—summary-report-270126103416.pdf 

Mandy | TPT Lead Officer
Date: 17th April, 2026

               
Mandy Loach   Hannah Beaumont   Robert Drummond