One of the improved paths on The Nab
Paths on four routes up the Peak District’s highest hill have been improved to help walkers and reduce erosion.
More than 200 tonnes of stone flagging was flown in to the site on Kinder Scout by helicopters in work carried out in time for the New Year.
The Moors for the Future Partnership oversaw the work at Grindslow Knoll, Crowden Tower, Ringing Roger and The Nab.
Flags have been laid over areas of deep peat and stone pitching adopted to ease the way over difficult steep sections, such as the ascent up Grindslow Knoll.
Innovations include a range of long-term water management features, including drainage ditches, water bars and fords. Moors for the Future said by introducing water bars and angling flagstones, water is diverted across and away from the paths.
Moors for the Future project manager Matt Scott-Campbell said: “It’s fitting that we’ve completed the project in 2012 – the year which saw the 80th anniversary of the Mass Trespass.
“The improved footpaths will significantly enhance walkers’ access and enjoyment while protecting much loved landscape and wildlife.
“We’ve introduced a whole range of solutions to help protect the moorland in the long term, while respecting the spectacular beauty of these locations which are part of the Dark Peak site of special scientific interest.”
The project was carried out with support from the National Trust and local landowner Tom Noel.
Mr Noel added: “When restoring these popular footpaths, it was vital to take account of the different ways in which the land is used.
“The needs of the farming community had to be accommodated, as well as those of people accessing the moors for walking or grouse shooting.
“The significant improvements that have been made will ensure that a range of people can access the moors, while minimising the damage that has been such a serious problem in the past.”
The footpath improvements were carried out as part of the Natural England Conservation Plan Project
The project is a £2.5m environmentally sensitive area funded scheme which aims to restore habitats of national and European importance and produce improvements that benefit local communities.
steve
13 January 2013what a waste of money..........why is it these retarded walkers can walk anywere but they still want to walk were we ride our bikes then moan like mad you miserable bunch of people!!!!!!
Legal trailrider
13 January 2013And there was me thinking that only recreational vehicles cause damage in the Peak District. Silly me!
This just demonstrates the blatant discrimination against law abiding motorists and in favour of walkers who won their "rights" by deliberately breaking the law on Kinder Scout.
Me again
13 January 2013Ramblers wrecking the countryside again.
Funny that far lesser damage around Chapel Gate is being blamed on 'vehicular displacement'.
Why are seemingly unlimited funds made available for this when the park's byways can't be kept in repair.
the repair of chapel Gate lasted less than a year before it was wrecked by the weather it was done so badly.
adrian
15 January 2013How does helicoptering and dumping a load of stone restore a habitat. Habitat for what creature? They are changing the open moor into a recreation park at tax payers expense. If too many walkers mess it up for themselves show restraint stay away let the 'habitat' recover naturaly.
AllanI
18 January 2013It may be practical to transport materials using helicopters but it doesn't seem very environmentally friendly. How come there always seems to be money available for creating surfaced footpaths like this but there isn't any to maintain existing byways so that they fall into further states of disrepair. It is a hypocritical action for this to be justified by the rambling lobby.
I Rate
18 January 2013Agree with Adrian. This misguided practice of smashing large holes in the ground, ripping out unnatural, regular shaped lumps of stone and then littering them all over the wild moors is nothing short of vandalism. This is permanent damage to the landscape on a much greater scale than the passage of human feet will ever produce.
I feel confident that those involved with the Kinder Trespass would not have approved.
Leave the moors alone.
niceman
23 January 2013bike riders walk to!
Leg bits, need flexing all over.
Peak District - overcrowded. If you want to go where no one else is; take a one way ticket to Mars (or return trip to the local Moon) - sure you won't be disappointed - know i wouldn't!!!!
BTW - MRT; Best in the world.
Never had to call for MRT in 29 years, but it's wonderful to know that they're there- it will happen!!
lucky dangerous me!