Trails and Footpaths

introduction

The current Monsal Trail is approximately 8.5 miles long, stretching between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell.

 

In addition to the Monsal Trail there are many footpaths and trails that will need to be diverted, replaced or potentially closed, which provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the accessibility these provide.

 

The Monsal Trail, is one route described by the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA), as 'a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

 

The Department for Transport invested £2.25 million for the refurbishment of four tunnels along the route enabled the current route to be realised in May 2011.

Planning requirements

The Peak District National Park Local Development Framework and Core Strategy document, detail Policies affecting the trail.

 

Amongst other policies:

 

  • Core Policy T5 safeguards land and infrastructure for the reinstatement of the Matlock and Buxton Line.  Whilst the Policy does not imply 'in principle' support or acceptance of our proposals it is very clear regarding the safeguarding.

 

  • Core Policy T6 acknowledges that 'potential realignment of the Monsal Trail' will be required in the event of future rail use.  The Policy also states that any future trail will be safeguarded and where appropriate the existing trail will be used for walking, cycling and equestrian use until such time as a railway scheme is granted.

a NEW NETWORK

Whilst we do not underestimate the complexity in reprovisioning the Monsal Trail, we have already undertaken a detailed review of key design elements of the existing route, in the absence of any official specification document.

 

We have audited the route against these design elements, using the outputs to identify potential options for a reprovisioned trail, but have extended that to include improvements to other trails and footpaths that integrate with or around the former railway line.

 

We have set our own demanding trail specification which exceeds the quality of the existing trail.

 

We have developed outline options for a replacement route but expanded on the planning requirements to propose additional investment in trails and footpaths to enhance the user experience.

Our Current Proposals

 

 

 

Our proposals for the alternative route for the trail are currently being developed as part of a much wider proposal to enhance the whole trails and footpaths experience along the route.

 

Some of the more complicated sections of the replacement route have multiple options in development and we are fully aware of the protected landscapes along the route.

 

Our trail specification will increase the benefits for a wide range of users over the existing trail including (but not limited to):

 

  • extending the current trail;

  • improving the overal user experience;

  • improving the integration with other trails and footpaths;

  • integrating routes with public transport;

  • Improving the number of clear sight lines of the surrounding areas;

  • Increasing the number of access points categorised as 'access for all';

  • introducing eight new criteria for the trail design;

  • maximising the opportunities for local businesses to benefit from being on or near the trail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed route options

 

The reprovisioned route is proposed to be broadly aligned to the current route, with a range of connections and spurs to the stations and other routes.

 

However, the current route is not ‘level’ as often stated and includes some quite steep (for a railways) gradients.  For the existing trail replacement we aim not to exceed the current steepest gradient.

 

We are aware of the sensitivities around land ownership and the need for us to engage accordingly.  However, we are not yet resourced to proceed to that level of engagement at this time.

 

We will update this page when we are able to share more information on our proposals.