I’ve been living in Yorkshire for six months now. I’ve swapped my Uggs for Hunters, an electric heater for a cosy log burner and the busy town centre of Reading for the quiet East Riding village of Burton Pidsea. I couldn’t be happier with my new lifestyle. In fact, I’m loving the north so much that I’m buying my own house in the village!
But why, what’s the appeal? Why swap living in a bustling metropolitan hub to live in the middle of nowhere?
For me it’s all about the pace of life. It’s quieter, more relaxed and for the most part stress-free up in Yorkshire. I’m not rushing about here, there and everywhere like I did down south. Like many people up here, the boyfriend and I don’t tend to make plans as such – at weekends we just go with the flow, doing whatever we fancy.
Take this weekend for example: we’re currently en route to Leeds Bradford airport, taking a semi-impromptu trip to Dublin. As I haven’t been away since our trip to Cuba last year, I’ve been intching to travel, so am really excited – but what’s even more exciting is the fact I’m ticking off another thing from my bucket list.
It’ll be a stark contrast to last weekend, which saw us taking a (unplanned) leisurely stroll along a small part of the Trans Pennine Trail on a damp, foggy Sunday morning…
The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is an exciting route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders linking the North and Irish seas, passing through the Pennines, alongside rivers and canals and through some of the most historic towns and cities in the North of England.
From coast-to-coast, between Southport and Hornsea, the Trail is 215 miles long. And with a north-south route connecting Leeds and Chesterfield, a spur to York and a spur to Kirkburton, there’s a total of about 370 miles of track to explore.
It’s sign posted all the way, it’s mainly traffic free and is surprisingly level considering the dramatic scenery along the way. Here are just a few snaps from our stroll last Sunday, complete with 11-month old black Lab puppy in tow…
Considering it was a wet Sunday morning, we passed a surprising amount of people on the trail, from lone horseriders to an entire family on bikes, elderly couples wrapped up warm in scarfs and hats, walking along hand-in-hand, as well as plenty of other dog walkers in their wellies.
The part of the trail we walked was from Coniston/Skirlaugh to Ellerby. Although there’s nothing of the original station left, the old platform is still there, boasting beautiful red bricks and some weathered old railway sleepers, making for some gorgeous photos.
We also found a little bridge and a stream, which was a bit deep for us despite the knee-high boots. The dog loved paddling in it though:
While strolling we did a bit of Googling to find out a bit more about the disused train line… According to disused-stations.org, a line connecting the Hull-Scarborough branch at Arram to a site near Hornsea Mere had been proposed in 1846/7 by the York and North Midland Railway, but was never built due to the downfall of chairman George Hudson amid a financial scandal.
A new line connecting Hull and Hornsea was promoted by Hornsea resident and Hull timber merchant Joseph Armytage Wade, the aim of such a line being to develop Hornsea as a fashionable Victorian seaside resort. The first sod was turned by Wade on 8 October 1862, but problems were encountered during construction due to the nature of the local soil (which is very clay-y, I can testify). There were then further issues with poor workmanship and materials used by the contractors. A late change of plan saw the line extended from the proposed terminus at Hornsea Bridge to the seafront, meaning construction of an embankment which required the ground to be piled adding substantially to the already escalating construction costs.
Just over 18 months later, on 28 March 1864, the line was opened, running in a fairly direct North Easterly direction from Hull. The original Hull terminus was Wilmington station, though after 1 June 1864 trains ran via the Victoria Dock branch into Hull’s Paragon station. Due to lower than expected receipts and consequent financial difficulties, the Hull and Hornsea Railway merged with the North Eastern Railway on 16 July 1866.
The line was constructed as a single track, but was doubled throughout in the early 1900s. Diesel railcars were introduced from 1957 and operated local services. Closure to passengers came on 19 October 1964, with goods services to Hornsea Bridge continuing until 3 May 1965.
Today, though the tracks are gone, the straight trackbed of the railway forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail.
There are a few of the original railway buildings along the route though…
Ellerby train station
The original Ellerby Station was situated close to what was the level crossing on Skirlaugh Road, between what is now Old Ellerby and Skirlaugh. It was a so-called “market station”, with trains stopping only on Tuesdays, as there was no resident station master. The station was closed to passengers in 1902, being considered superfluous since Skirlaugh and Burton Constable stations were each only three quarters of a mile away. However, it remained open for goods traffic, retained its platform, and became known as Ellerby West Siding.
Ellerby Gate House
The railway crossing gate house was situated adjacent to Ellerby Station, at the point where the railway crossed Skirlaugh Road.
The house is still there, standing proud and looking like something from an English countryside postcard. I absolutely loved it, it’s my dream house. My new Yorkshire residence isn’t quite this grand, but who knows, maybe in a few years…
Isn’t it gorgeous? Snowdrops are already popping up along the route, despite the bitter, biting cold. And in just a few weeks the daffodils will be in bloom, followed closely by the bluebells. I can’t wait to explore more of the trail in the spring and summer. We’ve even talked about walking all the way through to Hornsea one day. But for now we’re off to explore Dublin…
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Have you ever walked, hiked or cycled the Trans Pennine Trail? Is there a particular section you’d recommend? Drop me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
enjoyed your blog – post – great photos – I used to live next to the trail in Hornsea – near the Freeport which was Hornsea Pottery when I lived there 1993 to 2004 – I have walked from Hornsea to Ellerby a few times and it was our local walk with the dog(s). Interesting to read about the railway in the past – the trail is very interesting in Hull from the Marina to the Humber Bridge where the path goes up onto the roof tops past the docks – great views – all clearly signed
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Thanks for the comments Shelia – so lovely to hear that you’ve walked along the same trail and enjoyed it just as much as us. I didn’t realise there was a trail from the Marina to the Humber Bridge, but we love walking around Hessle Foreshore so maybe we could combine the two?! 🙂
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What a glorious place for a Sunday stroll! I love nothing more than blowing off the weekend cobwebs like that!
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It really is a gorgeous trail – you should try it if you’re ever up that way 🙂 x
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You have some lovely photos. It looks so peaceful where you live. There is something about getting put into the countryside that makes you feel relaxed and at ease with the world
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Thank you Mellissa – it’s a beautiful part of the UK x
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This isn’t a place I’ve walked, but love nice walks so maybe in the future 🙂 It’s nice to hear of people of all ages and regardless of weather out. It just shows how popular it is x
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Add it to your list of “to dos” Jodie, it really is stunning x
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I love a good walk/hike in the country and actually have plans to walk in Yorkshire and then the Lake District in April. Not sure where we’ll be headed but if it’s as beautiful as your walk was we’ll be very lucky!
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Ooooh will look out for a post when you start walking Yorkshire!
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Looks like a good place to go for a walk. I like these sorts of walks x
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It’s a lovely place to walk Hannah – have you ever been to Yorkshire? x
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Those pictures are beautiful. I’m determined to walk the trans-pennine trail eventually – I’m from Yorkshire too.
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You definitely should if you get the opportunity Jessica – it’s beautiful x
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I’m a North Yorkshire lass born and bred so I love that you’re already feeling so settled in my home county x
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Really? So nice to hear from a fellow Yorkshire blogger Colette (even if I am only an imposter!) – do you have any other recommendations for walks to take the hound on? X
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I’m a railway enthusiast so really enjoyed reading this, what a wonderful trail.
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Ahhh thanks Gemma – it’s a trail that appeals to everyone x
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Some lovely photos here, I’m also from Yorkshire but I’ve never been on this trail! xo
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If you get the chance you should try and do some of this trail in the summer – it won’t disappoint x
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I must be so nice living that close to nature and to some beautiful trails. I have some parks I can walk through near me but that’s it x
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I wish I still lived there Rhian (as you know, I’ve had to move back down south) – but if you’re ever up that way, I’d definitely recommend walking a bit of the trail x
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I’ve never been to the Trans Pennine Trail but it looks beautiful! I’d love to have something like that close to me x
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It really is beautiful Stephanie – if you get the chance to visit and walk some of it, you should x
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Oh I love that the snowdrops are already out and you are right such a beautiful trail x
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It is very picturesque x
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I really enjoyed reading this post. I haven’t been to this part of the UK but it looks so perfect. Literally Englands green and pleasant land! Your photos are fabulous too x
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Thank you! They do say Yorkshire is “God’s own country” 😘
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I really enjoyed this post, and your photos of the trail are gorgeous. Your new life in the countryside sounds really peaceful!
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Thank you – it was! Sadly I’ve had to move back down south now, but if you’re ever up that way I would recommend taking a walk along this trail x
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Such a beautiful trail. I love getting outdoors for long walks.
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Me too Jemma! x
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Lovely photos. I love going for long walks.
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It’s great to get outdoors and get some fresh air x
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No I haven’t even been to that area but it does look so beautiful and tranquil I would love to go for a few walks in that sort of setting.
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If you ever get the chance to visit Melanie, you definitely should take a walk down this trail. The kids would love it x
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What a beautiful part of the world! I hope you had fun in Dublin too!
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Thank you Nikki – we had a fab time in Dublin x
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Woo, Trans-Pennine represent! 😀
I literally live across the road from this trail in Liverpool but have never walked further than a mile or so. One day I’m going to hire a bike a do the whole thing 🙂 I think this end is an old railways line too.
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That sounds like a cracking idea Angela! Think of all the things you’ll see along the way 🙂 x
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What a lovely stroll. I loved your photos, especially the snow drops, they’re my favourite!
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They’re beautiful aren’t they Amelia? I love snowdrops too x
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Thank you for sharing this route in such detail. From the pictures it looks like a lovely walk. I think me and hubby would enjoy this. Enjoy Dublin x
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Thank you Claire – if you and your husband get the opportunity, you should definitely visit 🙂 and Dublin was smashing, thank you x
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There’s really nothing better than the English countryside. The North is especially stunning. It offers beauty, serenity, and there’s always something interesting around the bend. Love your photos! x
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Thank you Yaya! It really is beautiful – I’m sad that I’m not living there now, but I have the photos and the memories x
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We have done some of this trail when we have been up in Yorkshire. We are in Lancashire so not too far at all really, love your part of the country!
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Ahhh thanks! I’ve actually had to move back down south now, but as you’re not far you should definitely head over and do the stretch from Hornsea to Hull, it’s beautiful x
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What a lovely way to spend an afternoon! Outside in nature, along with the people and creatures you love. Made me smile. ps: your photos are absolutely beautiful .. they made me feel like I was walking right alongside
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Thank you Alison, that’s very kind of you x
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Wow, that trail looks so calm and relaxing!! I enjoy long walks because they clear my thoughts. http://www.clairebearblogs.com
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Thanks Claire – yeah, I’m the same! x
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Thank you for sharing your photos. I love each and everyone of it. I also like the path you chose for a stroll. Looks so peaceful and the pretty things you see is just awesome.
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Thanks Kristine – it is a lovely place to walk x
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Great photos and post! Love your adventures! Maybe a photo exhibition next?
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Thank you, I don’t know about a photo exhibition but that’s very sweet of you x
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All pictures are absolutely brilliant and they create an amazing atmosphere!! Love all captures! Hope you’re had an amazing weekend darling! ❤
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Thank so you much 🙂 x
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That’s so cool! I wonder how the tree trunks are such a vibrant green though! Seems like you guys had alot of fun!
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I guess it must be a type of moss or lichen – I’m not really clued up on flora and fauna lol! x
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Taking a stroll along the Trans Pennine Trail seems like a great way to connect with the real self! I guess we are all getting too dependent on cars and other modes of transport, however we are all missing out on the fun of walking and taking a stroll! I am sure you would have taken those breath-taking pics in your car as well but I guess you know a lot more about the place since you have walked through it rather than drove through it. Loved reading your post and you have inspired me to walk extra from now on!
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I really enjoy walking, hiking and just generally being outdoors. But to your point about taking these pictures from a car, well it’s not actually possible as the trail is completely car free – you can cycle, ride a horse or walk/run/jog the route, but it’s not accessible for cars! x
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Aah this is the kind of thing I miss doing living in the busy bustling city of Dubai, which has no nature walks or trails for miles and miles and also the weather just isn’t friendly enough for us to take such lovely hikes or walks (it’s 50 degrees right now)! I envy you, your post makes me want to seriously consider moving to the countryside and adopting a healthier lifestyle. What a lovely trail! Oh and your puppy is adorable ❤️
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I guess it’s swings and roundabouts Medha – there are times that I wish I lived in a warmer climate (and a drier one too). The “summer” in the UK this year has been pretty much non-existent. But I can appreciate for someone who is in a dry hot climate all year round, this sort of trail and being outdoors with so much greenery and fresh, cool air probably does sound appealing x
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I might say, although I am more of a city girl myself I can definitely appreciate the beautiful photography in this post! You make it all look so wonderfully appealing!
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Thanks so much Taylor! I like cities too, but escaping to the country once in a while is so nice x
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Lovely pictures, I would one day want to shift to a place like this and leave the city life behind.
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I hope you get to one day! x
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It looks like a beautiful part of the country, and I can completely understand why you are wanting to make the move from a city to the country. I always think that I like the convenience of cities, but become overwhelmed by the busy pace of life. I think that my mental health is always better when I am surrounded by nature, which is the way that we are supposed to be as humans. I live in a city currently, but I hope to get away from it soon.
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Thanks for your comment Kate 🙂 I have actually moved back down south to Reading (moved back in April after things didn’t work out with my boyfriend), and I am working again in London – but it’s nice to be living on the outskirts of the city, where I have both countryside and city life available within a 25 minute train ride in either direction x
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I’m a Yorkshire girl and could never live somewhere else as it really is the most beautiful county with such an amazing way of life. I’ve never done the Trans Penine trail, really do need to change that!
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I hope you make it to the Trans Pennine Trail some day Helen, especially as you’re so close! x
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I love a good stroll to go and get some fresh air, enjoy the breeze and just breathe! x I’d love to do the trans pennine trail! xx
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I love strolling in the fresh air too 🙂 x
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I haven’t had the pleasure of walking in the English countryside. These photographs of the Yorkshire countryside are beautiful and I can well understand why you and your boyfriend have chosen this area to relocate for a country lifestyle. I hope you both continue to enjoy everything Yorkshire has to offer.
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Thanks for your comment Kathryn – it is a beautiful part of England, so if you’re ever over this way then you should definitely pay it a visit. My partner (now an ex, as we split and I moved back down south in April – it’s all in this post: https://alwayscarryon.com/2017/04/28/from-north-to-south-why-ive-returned-to-reading/) was from there anyway, so grew up in the countryside x
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