The Pennine Bridleway is an official long-distance route being made available for horse-riders, mountain bikers and walkers.

It will eventually run for 350 miles from the Peak District to Northumberland but is gradually being opened in phases.

The first phase currently open is the Mary Towneley Loop which is a circular network of bridleways across the South Pennines of Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The 42 mile loop can be started at any point and forms a circular route linking Littleborough, Hebden Bridge, Worsthorne and Rossendale.

The Mary Towneley Loop is highlighted on the latest edition of the OS South Pennines (21) map or a free guide is available from the Countryside Agency or tourist information centres at Rochdale, Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Burnley.