The parliamentarians took to the Edale skyline

Parliamentarians were due to hit the Peak District hills today for a view of the importance of outdoor activities.

Peers and MPs from the all-party parliamentary group for mountaineering were invited to a walk along the Edale skyline by representatives of outdoor bodies.

High Peak MP Andrew Bingham and nine parliamentarians were joined by British Mountaineering Council president Rehan Siddiqui, BMC access officers and colleagues from the Ramblers and the Peak District national park to see at first-hand how adventure activity and minority sporting activities such as climbing and hillwalking can be adequately voiced and supported in the Peak District and beyond.

The BMC represents a growing membership of over 80,000 climbers, mountaineers and hillwalkers.

MP David Rutley, co-chair of the parliamentary group, said: “It’s good to see interest in outdoor recreation increasing and the membership of the BMC growing.

“I think this is a sign that more people are getting outdoors and discovering the adventurous possibilities of our wonderful countryside. Everyday outdoor recreational activities are a positive way to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity and it is great to see more parliamentary champions promoting them.”

Local MP Andrew Bingham was due to join the walk

The BMC said the ‘walk and talk’ meeting was an opportunity to discuss matters such as funding and the challenges now facing the national park and the value of partnership working.

Dr Cath Flitcroft, BMC access and conservation policy officer said: “A large number of MPs are now engaged with the outdoor agenda.

“We’ll be taking the opportunity to talk to them in an informal setting about a number of local and national issues. We’re keen to highlight the importance of partnership working and explore ideas as to how national parks can continue to deliver crucial environmental, economic and social benefits to both local communities and the nation.”