Seamlessly combine rail travel with cycling, running, and walking for your daily commute or weekend escape. Discover how easy it is to leave the car behind. Whether you're riding your bike to the station, planning a trail run from the platform, or heading out for a weekend hike, your active adventure starts here.
Cycling and commuting
Making your daily commute entirely human-powered (for part of the way) has never been easier.
Whether you're looking for an eco-friendly commute, searching for bike storage at train stations, or figuring out how to take a bike on a Northern train, here's how to mix rail travel with your morning cycle and bring some active travel into your routine.
Taking your bike on the train
Bikes are welcome on most Northern trains. Northern encourages bike use and provides spaces for your bike on board, free of charge. Northern is keen to promote cycling with our rail users; we have worked closely with CyclingUK to develop our Cycle Promise. We have a small number of trains which don't have dedicated bike space, so please check before you board.
Bike storage spaces on our trains operate on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance. Folding bikes can be taken on board and stored in a designated luggage area.
Bikes on Trains
Whether you use the train to commute, for day-to-day travel, or to explore the country, including a bike on your journey makes perfect sense.
Take your bike on the trainCycle-friendly stations
Know your parking options before you arrive at the platform.
You want your bike to be right where you left it when you roll back into the station. Whether you're looking for secure bike storage at railway stations, wondering about cycle parking facilities, or need step-free access to platforms, here’s where to park and sort your ride out without hassle:
Cycle Facilities
At Northern we aspire to provide cycling facilities at as many locations as possible; however, we appreciate we have some way to go to supply good storage facilities everywhere.
Bike facilities at our stations
E-scooters and E-bikes on Northern trains
E-scooters and most other powered transport devices are not permitted on Northern trains or within Northern stations. Find out more about our policy.
More information about e-scooters and e-bikes
Walks and hikes from the train
No car? No problem. Some of the finest countryside, coastal paths, and green spaces in the North are right outside our station doors. Popular train-accessible walks are plentiful in the North of England.
Whether you're hunting for walks from train stations, planning weekend hikes by rail, or looking for accessible walking routes, leave the car at home and let the tracks take you to the good stuff.
We have a whole host of walking and hiking guides to inspire you to get out walking, including country walks, city walks, walking advice for families, and seasonal walks. Get walking and Go Do Your Thing!
Explore walks right from the station platform
City walks in the North
Cities in the North are teeming with hidden trails and fascinating sights, if you know where to look!
Country walks & hikes
Looking for a gentle woodland walk or a stroll with stunning coastal views? We have plenty of options.
Top 5 best walks in York
The city is a delight to explore on foot. So, with that said, here’s our list of five of the best walks in York.
Autumn woodland walks
Autumn is one of the best seasons to enjoy a woodland walk solo, with family, or even your dog, of course.
Walking with groups
Planning a group trip with old friends, a walking group or bringing the family together for some quality time?
The 5 best walks in Manchester
Manchester is one of the most popular cities in the North with plenty of green space to explore.
Miles Without Stiles walks
An initiative helping everyone, no matter their accessibility needs, enjoy the British countryside.
Best winter walks in the North
Outdoors in winter is beautiful and serene, offering unique ways to appreciate the countryside on foot.
Walking advice for families
Exploring the North's best woodlands, coastlines, and parks with the little ones is easier by rail.
Trail running and jogging routes
Get some proper miles in without looping round the same local park fifty times. The North of England is buzzing with running races throughout the year if you're looking to enter something official.
If you're looking for something more casual, there are plenty of brilliant running routes around the North, from Park Runs, pathed paths, woodland trails, and city runs.
We love the idea of our train commuters getting out and running a race or pounding the city streets on a solo run. Check out our inspiration below for running routes and races in the North, accessible from the train station!
Running inspiration around the North
Best running routes
Whether you’re running in Manchester, jogging in Leeds or sprinting in Sheffield, check out our recommendations.
Marathons & half marathons
From flat city races to scenic countryside routes, the North of England is packed with plenty of marathons and half marathons to try.
Guide for the Great North Run
Whether you're chasing a personal best or cheering someone on, the Great North Run is one of the biggest events in the North.
Active & outdoor adventures in the North
There's more to life than just cycling and walking. There are outdoor activities near Northern train stations throughout the network, and we've got inspiration for your next adventure.
Explore more outdoorsEverything you need to know before you go
Quick answers to your most pressing travel questions. Take a look below for some of the most frequently asked questions about combining a Northern train journey with cycling, walking, hiking and running.
No, you do not need a bike reservation on a Northern train; however, spaces are allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
E-scooters and most other powered transport devices are not permitted on Northern trains or within Northern stations.
The ban for travel on Northern trains (and across most other train operators) is due to concerns regarding fire risks relating to the batteries within these devices.
For clarity, this ban does not apply to mobility scooters (check our guide), electric wheelchairs or other mobility aids used by persons of reduced mobility.
Walking trails that start and end at train stations, often called station-to-station walks, can be found using resources like Komoot and AllTrails.
We also have a huge amount of walking inspiration on the website that you can browse through!
Whilst this will depend on the activity you're doing when you're off the train, we recommend always carrying a spare jacket or dry top in case the unpredictable Northern weather takes a turn! Always ensure you have drinking water and consider bringing LED lights that can be attached to your bag for safety on dark nights.
This one seems obvious, but make sure your phone is charged if you're carrying your train ticket digitally. If you've got a physical ticket, make sure it is tucked somewhere safe and ensure you have your Railcard and any other passes required to travel.
No, there is no extra charge for taking a bicycle on a Northern train. Both standard bicycles and folding bikes are carried free of charge alongside your standard train ticket.
Space is allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two non-folding bikes per train service.
Yes, the North of England has a huge running scene, hosting everything from mass-participation road races to rugged trail, mountain, and fell runs.
We've put together a guide for marathons and half-marathons (and 10ks!) in the North for you to check out and get inspiration for your next race.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.