This summer, the perfect getaway might be closer than you think.

As the countryside bursts into colour, let the rhythm of the rails guide your adventures with the help of the Penistone Line Partnership.

The Penistone Line, stretching 27 miles between Huddersfield and Sheffield, is a gateway to some of Yorkshire’s most characterful towns and sweeping landscapes. Hop onboard to discover hidden gems, support local businesses, and travel sustainably with your local community rail line.

The line was opened to passengers in 1850, five years after the first sod was cut by Lord Wharncliffe, James Stuart-Wortley. The inaugural journey in July 1850 was so overloaded with passengers that it came to a stop in the mile long Thurstonland tunnel. Half of them had to disembark and wait for the train to come back for them.

Over the last 175 years, there have been some changes, with various branch lines closing and the route diverting via Barnsley in 1983. Today, it’s managed by Northern and Network Rail.

Penistone Line Partnership is a community rail partnership that works within the communities along the line. These grassroots not-for-profit organisations work closely with rail operators, councils, and local businesses to breathe new life into regional and rural rail lines, transforming them from simple transport links into vibrant community assets.

Established in 1993, Penistone is the oldest of the UK’s 75 community line partnerships. For over 30 years, it has been reconnecting people with their local lines while showcasing the convenience, charm, and environmental benefits of train travel.

There are 17 stations along the Penistone Line, running from Kirklees through to South Yorkshire.

On the south side, stations are at Penistone, Silkstone Common, Dodworth, Barnsley, Wombwell, Elsecar, Chapeltown, Meadowhall and Sheffield. While over in West Yorkshire, the stations are at Huddersfield, Lockwood, Berry Brow, Honley, Brockholes, Stocksmoor, Shepley and Denby Dale.

With only four stations staffed, the Penistone Line is gratefully supported by voluntary groups who ‘adopt’ their local stations.

Station adopters choose how they want to promote their community, with the station acting as a gateway. That might be maintaining gardens, organising art, heritage or wildlife projects, or building community growing spaces.

Stations have been adopted at Dodworth, Chapeltown, Barnsley and Sheffield in South Yorkshire, and Brockholes, Shepley and Denby Dale in Kirklees. The Penistone Line team is looking for a large steering group of volunteers with an interest in community, the arts, heritage, education, gardening, and rail to adopt Penistone station – with funding available from Northern to support it.

Both PLP and members of Penistone’s heritage groups would love to see a showcase at Penistone station which shares past times about the Woodhead Line, and a heritage trail on to the old turning circle, and tank ramps off the Trans Pennine Trail.

 “It would be fantastic if the partnership had premises onsite at Penistone Station. This could include a heritage centre and cafe, gallery, and active travel and education hub,” says Sarah Wells, community rail officer for Penistone.

Sarah is the sole employee for the Penistone Line Partnership. Her role also includes building links within the community to break down barriers some people might have with train travel. Thanks to funding from Norther, Sarah runs ‘Try the Train’ sessions for charities, community groups or individuals who want to build their confidence on using the train in the safety of a group.

During Community Rail Week in May, Sarah organised a variety of events from walks and talks to art exhibitions. She also worked with archaeologist and singer, Dr Tegwen Roberts, to create a new song walk in Edale based on the Clarion ramblers. In 2026, Sarah and Tegwen will be continuing to collaborate on song walks based on coal mining and textile manufacturing – two of the biggest industries in South and West Yorkshire’s histories.

Next year, Sarah is also doing a bigger focus on education, working with schools and colleges to look at rail safety, trespassing, sustainability, and career opportunities.

If you’re planning some summer days out, the Penistone Line Partnership has curated themed itineraries that highlight the best of what lies just a few stops away.

Download a free map or family travel guide to plan your next car-free day out – and don’t forget your ‘family and friends’ railcard to save on your ticket prices.

The Penistone Line Partnership also has a selection of well-marked walking trails and curated routes that begin and end at their railway stations.

Whether you’re in the mood for a short ramble or a day-long hike, these scenic walks offer a perfect way to explore local beauty spots while reducing your carbon footprint – and maybe even discovering a new favourite walking route.

Pick up or download one of their leaflets for 16 self-led routes, from one station to the next, ranging from 1.4 miles to 6.7 miles.

They also run a free guided walk on alternate Saturdays where they meet at one station along the Penistone Line, or branch a bit further into North Notts, Derbyshire or Lincolnshire. The walks are usually between eight and ten miles with start and end points at varying train stations.

Find out how to get involved in the Penistone Line Partnership at www.penline.co.uk