Cyclists enjoy the traffic-free reservoir-side route between Fairholmes and King's Tree
Peak District national park bosses are reminding visitors that one of its popular routes will be closed to motor traffic over the Easter weekend.
The road alongside the Derwent dams will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday.
The road closure, which has run every year since the early 1980s, means that people visiting the area on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays can enjoy the tranquil valley without traffic.
The national park authority said the road closure along the five-mile route benefits walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
But a bus service that ran along the route, between Fairholmes and King’s Tree will no longer operate, because of lack of demand. Falling numbers, year on year, of passengers using the 222 minibus service and increased running costs are the reasons for its withdrawal.
Last year just over 1,600 people used the minibus paying £2 each for a ticket. But the real cost of each journey was £6.50, with the remaining cost being met by Severn Trent Water and the Peak District National Park Authority.
Cars with blue badge holders are still able to use the route although people are being encouraged to leave their cars at Fairholmes and take advantage of the Tramper scooters that can be hired there. The authority said it and its and partners are developing more accessible routes in the area to help visitors of all abilities to get out of their cars and enjoy the valley.
National park ranger Paul Wetton said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming people to Fairholmes and the upper Derwent Valley to enjoy the fantastic views and wildlife.
“There’s something very special about the combination of expanses of water and hills – it’s hard to beat as a backdrop to a walk or cycle ride.
“We ask people to follow the countryside code to enjoy sharing the countryside safely, so please take your litter home, keep the dog on the lead and don’t start fires.”
Hundreds of thousands of walkers and cyclists visit the upper Derwent Valley to explore the paths and trails around Ladybower, Derwent and Howden reservoirs, take photographs of Derwent Dam’s distinctive towers and wall, hire a bike. Information to help visitors discover more about the area is also available in the information centre.
