Abseiling from the bridge on the Monsal Trail

Abseilers at a popular Peak District venue will be denied their thrills as repairs are carried out nearby.

A two-week suspension of abseiling from a bridge on the Monsal Trail will take effect next month for national park officers to repair steps next to the Miller’s Dale venue.

The Peak District National Park Authority said Bridge 75 near Miller’s Dale is used by hundreds of people each year to experience the thrill of abseiling over the fast-flowing River Wye.

The authority issues about 90 abseiling licences to a wide range of organisations and individuals each year. Licence-holders have been informed of the temporary suspension, as the path will be completely closed for a fortnight from 3 March.

Peak District national park trails manager Emma Stone said: “The old limestone steps, which are used by abseilers to get back up to the bridge, can get slippery especially in winter.

“So, weather permitting, we’re continuing to replace them with wooden ones infilled with stone in early March. We have carried out the work in three phases and this is the final one.”

The work is being carried out by the national park’s countryside maintenance team.