Families in Sefton looking for free outdoor activities can still make full use of the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) Kids Activity Pack as the new season gets underway. Originally launched for the summer holidays, the downloadable resource remains available online to inspire family adventures, keep young explorers active, and help them discover more about nature right through the autumn months.
Aimed at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children, the free pack contains outdoor challenges, crafts, puzzles, and interactive activities. It features a cast of local wildlife characters – including Mandy Mole, Hannah the Horse, and Bob the Badger – who help guide children through different ways to enjoy green spaces and the countryside.
The pack is completely flexible and can be downloaded straight to a smartphone or tablet to take on walks, or printed off at home before heading out. Whether you are planning a full trip along the trail, a stroll through a local park, or an afternoon in the back garden, it provides a simple way to keep children entertained.
Heritage Stories and Local Character
As the new school year continues, trail organisers are developing heritage-focused content to include in future activity packs. The aim is to help younger trail users learn about the history, historic structures, and local character of the route through storytelling.
Anyone with suggestions for heritage activities, local historical facts, or stories connected to the trail is invited to contact the TPT National Office.
Local Trail Updates
Alongside youth projects, work continues along local stretches of the route:
- Sefton: Potential options for an improved trail connection to the canal at Aintree are currently being explored. Plans are also underway to replace the TPT Seamark information board following corrosion to the existing structure, ensuring visitors continue to have clear route details.
- Liverpool: A programme of Doctor Bike maintenance sessions ran through the summer near the Loop Line and Promenade, with options now being reviewed to improve local signage towards West Derby Village.
- West Lancashire: Fresh surfacing work funded by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has been completed, with further phases identified for future funding.
Exploring the Trail from Southport
For Sefton residents, the famous coast-to-coast route sits right on the doorstep, stretching all the way from the Irish Sea in Southport across to the North Sea in Hornsea. Because the route is largely flat, traffic-free, and accessible, it is ideal for family bike rides, dog walks, pushchairs, and wheelchair users.
If you want to start at the very beginning of the coast-to-coast path:
- Official Start Line: The Trans Pennine Trail Gateway is located by the seafront at postcode PR8 1RY.
- Parking: For drivers heading down to Marine Drive, use postcode PR8 1RX to navigate to the parking area next to the Southport Eco Centre.
How to Download the Pack and Report Issues
The Kids Activity Pack remains completely free to access and can be downloaded from the dedicated children’s section on the official website at transpenninetrail.org.uk.
Trail users can also help keep the route at its best by reporting any maintenance issues or damaged signage along the paths. You can contact the TPT National Office by emailing info@transpenninetrail.org.uk, calling 01226 772574, or tagging #TPTUpdate on social media. When reporting an issue, including a What3words location or nearby landmark helps the team resolve it quickly.
