PARTS of the Kirklees district may soon be linked to a new national trail through the Pennines for walkers, cyclists and riders.
The long-distance Pennine Bridleway route, which passes through Uppermill and Diggle, just over the Pennines from Marsden, will cover a distance of more than 200 miles.
It will link Middleton Top in Derbyshire to Kirby Stephen in Cumbria.
Kirklees Council is hoping to get the funding to go ahead with paths to link up with the national route.
The council is expected to agree to a £158,000 contribution towards developing its section of a link from Penistone to the trail.
The money would meet the costs of legal moves to secure land rights and improve existing footpaths.
The Penistone feeder route would pass through Hade Edge Holme and Marsden before crossing the moors at Standedge.
Existing paths would be used for much of the feeder route.
The council would be responsible for about 15 miles of trail.
Simon Tidswell, project manager, said: "The Countryside Agency has been awarded £1.8m by Sport England to develop the national trail and the three feeder routes.
"It will link the public rights of way network in south west Kirklees into the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, encouraging tourism and providing a greater range of recreational opportunities for local residents. We have consulted on the plans and they have been very well received."
Councillors will debate the financial package on Wednesday.
