The trail runs along an old rail line

Over 70 miles of uninterrupted track starts in Derbyshire and runs north to join Pennine Bridleway National Trail.

The route has been cleared of stiles and steps and when finished will be the first purpose-built, long-distance bridleway in the country.

The trail has been mainly funded by a �1.8m grant from the national lottery will eventually run for 350 miles.

It has been developed by the Countryside Agency in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, the Peak District National Park Authority and Tameside, Oldham and Rochdale metropolitan borough councils.

The trail features not only the county's fantastic scenery but also offers excellent purpose built facilities for all Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council

The route through Derbyshire is mainly off road, following the High Peak Trail along a disused railway, passing through the White Peak.

It goes on to the more challenging sections through the Dark and High Peak and around Glossop.

Derbyshire County Council has carried out work to bring the route up to standard including upgrading footpaths and creating new bridleway routes.

Other improvements include signing legal agreements with landowners, clearing over-hanging trees, improving drainage, installing new gates and laying new surfaces.

Councillor Brian Lucas, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "We hope it will encourage even more visitors to Derbyshire as the trail features not only the county's fantastic scenery but also offers excellent purpose built facilities for all."