h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I don't live far from the Earth centre,It's a great concept, and as a regular user of the TPT I'm
around there frequently

Hi Crazyace, thanks for the comment. Nice to know people actually read the stuff I write. I live right by another bit of the TPT, where it goes down the disused railway track along the Longdendale Valley. Ever made it out this far?
I do think the Earth Centre is worth another visit this year, to see how it's developed. When I was there last Summer it seemed to be struggling for identity between tourist attraction, conference centre and showpiece for sustainability and renewable energies. Lots of the planted areas were still evolving too but you could get the general idea of what they were trying to do.
I did feel the big multi-media art installation thingy was a big waste of space and money though ...I suppose it's always possible some people like that sort of thing

Hi Metal Chicken
Yes I have been along the
Longdendale Valley with my wife
we drive to Woodhead then enjoy
the afternoon riding the trail.
I also do my early season road training around your area, I go
over the Strines,the Snake pass,
up through Old Glossop, the Longdendale valley,Holme Moss to Holmefirth and back via Barnsley
so I know your area pretty well.
One never knows we may have passed each other at sometime.

Due to unforseen circumstances the earth centre is now closed. I heard entry was free if you went on a push bike though.

That is a shame - although I have to say I'm not hugely surprised. It never seemed quite sure of its identity and struggled to achieve what it could have been.
So closed to the general public now, honouring pre-booked tours till the end of October and then over to Doncaster Council to see what they can do with the site. I understand there's still access to the Trans Pennine Trail that runs by the site, over the Don by the Earth Centre shop and cafe. I think you did used to get discounted entry if you arrived by bike, train or boat but I can't remember if it was free.
Thanks for letting me know.
MC