Rushup Edge – Positive News?

2 years ago, Derbyshire County Council began surfacing works on a trail at Rushup Edge (DCC call this Chapel-en-le-Frith Byway), which were not well accepted by user groups and the local community – mountain bikers included! Works were paused and we’ve not really heard much since. Until now!

The folks at Peak District MTB have been steadily plugging away, pushing Derbyshire County Council for proper consultation and it now seems that their efforts may well have been worthwhile! DCC have recently posted on their website with some updated plans and a link to an online survey as consultation.

Here’s a link to the consultation new page on the DCC website.

Here’s a link to a pdf of the outline plans for surfacing works.

The plans look positive in a way, but experience leads us to be a little wary of getting excited too quickly. Mention is made of using Roych Clough as an example, along with leaving some exposed bedrock rather that surfacing over everything. No detail is given however, so it’s difficult to know just how sensitive the work will be. It does look to be a step in the right direction.

We’d like to see more detailed proposals published, ideally with minimum surfacing work and a sensitive approach.  Without this, it’s hard to know if DCC are merely waffling before they carry on much as originally intended.

This is a rare chance to send feedback to DCC and we’re pushing you all to take a few minutes and fill in the online survey. We realise that many of you may be unaware of the history of these works, so here’s a handy link to previous posts on the subject.

Peak District MTB deserve huge credit for their work on this saga, along with Keeper Of The Peak.  Click the links and read up on the work they’re both doing in the Peak District. In addition, the BMC, Peak District National Park and Friends of the Peak District get a big thanks too – a real team effort.

Please do take the time to look at the consultation details and fill in the online survey!