Hi Guys,some advice please
Who can I write to about the damage the conservation people are causing to our natural trails above Fairholmes Cafe?
I am a regular and responsible Mountain bike rider in the Peaks but am really concerned about the damage these people are doing,are they planning to ruin all the natural trails?
If they are planning to gravel all the natural trails why can"t they build us a proper manmade course?
Rob.
you mean the track past lockerbrook and down to ouzelden?
You mean Gores Heights?
What have they done?
I need a reason to get out on the bike this weekend.
have a read in this months ST mag. there's an article about what the guys in Calderdale did in this situation.
I'd also contact IMBA UK. for advise and support.
AFAIK that track was levelled to improve access for farming and forestry, sadly until people get charged for access to areas of natural beauty they will remain a commercial entity. There is no law saying that track's have to be 'fun' to ride. It's a great shame (i cut my MTB teeth on that track aged 13) but is inevitable.
As far as man made trails go, there is interest from the Upper Derwent Management Committee about such a scheme but without a lot of interest from an organised group representing riders interests there is little hope of it happening. Bare in mid also that the particular track you mention is in fairly easy reach of the visitor centre and as such there are other interested parties concerned.
And i'd be careful blaming 'conservation people' as this area is owned by Severn Trent to the best of my knowledge. It may be operated by the FC in a practical sense (not sure on this one) but it remains a commercial foresty and farming area.
Personally i'd write to the ranger services Rights of Way officer but don't expect much more than a standard response.
track's
i'm putting myself in pedantry corner for that one
The point of building purpose built trails is to encourage new visitors to an area. The peak district is already the most heavily used of the national parks, more visitors do not need to be encouraged. Thus, there's only an infinitesimally small chance of there being any trail building in the heart of the peak - although you may see some on the fringes, e.g. Wharncliffe, Oldham etc.
As for the track mentioned, as Mike says it was rebuilt to allow for access.
If you have any specific questions, or sensible suggestions, ask away
NBT - Local IMBA rep.
ps none of the trails are "natural", they've all been built, just that some are older and less well maintained - but I know what you mean