Northern customers can now try out new walking and cycling routes which start and end at stations along two of the most scenic routes in the North of England.
The train operator has teamed up with komoot to map out routes for people travelling on the Buxton Line and the new Northumberland Line.
Alex Hornby, Northern’s commercial and customer director, said: “Here at Northern, we’re so fortunate to have a wealth of great places across the network and we know how much our customers love to get out and explore the fantastic destinations along these lines in particular.
“We’re really proud of this new partnership that promotes sustainable travel and making the most of the areas we serve. We’re sure our customers will find it really helpful to use the komoot app to guide them along walks and bike rides which feature some stunning scenery.”
Passengers who travel on the Buxton Line can now use the app to navigate six walking trails in the Peak District National Park, setting off and returning to stations in Disley, New Mills, Newtown, Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith or Buxton.
Covering more than 38 miles in total, they weave through vast moors, limestone valleys and gritstone cliffs.
On the most challenging route, explorers start at Chapel-en-le-Firth station, make their way past Castle Naze and scale Black Edge so they can enjoy some spectacular views from the summit (507 metres high) before looping round Combs Reservoir.
In the North East, detailed guides have been created for five hiking routes and six cycling routes, which start and finish at stations on the Northumberland Line.
As described on komoot, they open up “a breathtaking world of sleepy coastal towns, undulating dunes, sandy beaches and wooded valleys” but also allow people to visit historic sites like Seaton Delaval Hall and Bothal Castle.
There are family-friendly routes, like the Cramlington Art Trail (4 miles), and ones which pose more of a challenge, such as the 12-mile circular hike between Ashington and Newbiggin-by-sea.
The Northumberland Line reopened to passengers in December – for the first time in 60 years – thanks to a £298.5 million redevelopment involving the Department for Transport, Northumberland County Council, Network Rail and Northern.
Services call at Newcastle, Manors, Seaton Delaval, Newsham and Ashington. A journey along the entire route takes around 35 minutes and a single fare costs no more than £3.
Stations in Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park are under construction and due to open to customers later this year.
