Unlocking Spring on the TPT: Recording a Digital Trail from Oxspring to Wortley

There’s something special about seeing a section of the Trail I’ve not tried before – and that’s exactly how it felt when I joined the TPT Team to help record a Digital Trail for the section between Oxspring and Wortley in Barnsley, my home town. I was also joined by my wonderful dog, Belle, who was very happy to be part of the day. It was my first time walking this stretch, and it didn’t disappoint. 

A Digital Trail is a way of bringing the route to life online – capturing key points along the way with simple information, images and location details, so people can follow along as they walk, wheel, cycle, ride or plan a future visit. It matters because it makes the Trail more welcoming and accessible for everyone: it helps you choose the right section for you, spot facilities and landmarks, and understand the local history and nature that you might otherwise miss. 

We were treated to lovely spring weather – bright, calm and just warm enough to slow you down and take notice. The blossom was out in full force, and every hedgerow seemed to have its own mix of fresh green leaves and early-season flora. Add the steady soundtrack of birdsong and it was a reminder of why so many people cherish the Trans Pennine Trail: it invites you to breathe, look up, and enjoy what’s right in front of you. 

Another thing I really noticed – perhaps because it was my first time on this section – was the seating along the way. Those benches and resting spots might seem like a small detail, but they make a huge difference: they give you a reason to pause, take in the view, and they help make the Trail more inclusive for people who need regular breaks. They were useful for us too – a perfect place to stop, give Belle some water, and treat her to a well-earned biscuit. It’s also the sort of practical information a Digital Trail can highlight, so everyone knows what to expect before they set off. 

One of the standout moments was walking across Romtickle Viaduct (known locally as Rumtickle Viaduct) – a fantastic historic feature that you might pass over without a second thought unless you’re a local. It really brought home the value of on-the-ground information: a simple piece of interpretation on the bridge would help visitors understand what they’re seeing and why it matters. Romtickle is part of Barnsley’s engineering story, built by Barnsley’s very own Joseph Locke, and it deserves to be recognised and celebrated. 

Not long after, we reached Thurgoland tunnels – 282 metres in length, and impossible to walk through quietly. You can’t help but sing a few lines or shout out just to hear the fantastic acoustics roll back to you. It’s a small, joyful moment that sticks in the memory, and exactly the sort of detail that a Digital Trail can capture for others. 

We finished at Cote Green Farm – only to find, sadly, that the café wasn’t open. No chance to take advantage of coffee and cake, or even to try their famous Wagyu burger. Still, it’s a good excuse to return, and it’s exactly the kind of practical point that can make planning a visit that bit easier. 

Days like this show why recording a Digital Trail matters. It’s not just the distance or the directions – it’s the blossom, the birdsong, the surprises, and the stories under your feet. Capturing those details helps people plan with confidence, discover the heritage and wildlife along the way, and makes the Trans Pennine Trail more welcoming for everyone. A huge thank you to the TPT Team for having me along. If you’ve not walked the Oxspring to Wortley section yet, I’d encourage you to put it on your list – then let us know what you discover. 

The Oxspring to Wortley Digital Trail is now being edited and should be available here in the next couple of weeks, along with other Digital Trails, 

And if you know a section that could feature as part of our Digital Trails programme and would be interested in recording material for it, please get in touch with the TPT National Office – it’s really not as daunting as you think. 

John Wilson | Chair of the Trans Pennine Trail Partnership
Date: 1st May, 2026