THE Countryside Agency has been awarded more than £1.8 million from the Sport England Lottery Fund to help create a trail of 42 miles passing through the North West including Cliviger and Waterfoot.

The Mary Towneley Loop, which is to be officially opened by Sir Simon Towneley today at the Ram Inn car park, Holme Chapel, passes through Calderdale, Rochdale and Lancashire.

It is the first section of the Pennine Bridleway to open and it provides a new facility for local horse riders, off-road cyclists and walkers as well as visitors to the area.

The Countryside Agency are hoping that the loop will encourage business for accommodation providers, stabling, horse and cycle hire, pubs, and shops along the route.

It was named in recognition of the hard work that Lady Mary Towneley put in to getting the Pennine Bridleway National Trail off the ground ten years ago.

Pennine Bridleway Project Manager Anna Righton said: "Mary Towneley campaigned tirelessly to improve facilities and routes for horse riders.

"She was especially keen that disabled and younger riders should have better access to good quality, safe routes in attractive countryside.

"To honour her commitment, enthusiasm and drive it seemed appropriate to name the first section of the route after her." When the Pennine Bridleway National Trail is complete it will extend for nearly 350 miles, running from Middleton Top in Derbyshire, east of Manchester through Lancashire, the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria to Byrness in Northumberland.

The Pennine Bridleway is one of the most important access projects being carried out by the Countryside Agency. The route is well sign posted, the trail has no stiles or steps, but has easy to use gates and special road crossing points.

The Countryside Agency has published the route and accommodation services guide for the Mary Towneley Loop.

To order a copy call 0870 120 6466, quoting reference number CA29.