There is currently an application with the Peak District National Park Authority for the extension of the Monsal Trail as a walking and cycling route from its present terminus at Coombs Road, Bakewell along the former railway line (through two tunnels) to Church Lane, Rowsley.
The application is expected to go to the Planning Committee next month and comments have been requested by the end of next week. PLEASE write to PDNPA to support this application; this is most easily done via their website. PDNPA website;
The Application Number is NP/DDD/1111/1125
See Latest News for details of other planning applications.
The DVCG is an informal group of local people campaigning for the provision of a safe, traffic-free cycle route/Greenway(as an alternative to the A6) between Matlock and Bakewell and for the eventual provision of a route from Derby to Buxton (with links from Rowsley to Ladybower and Buxton to Parsley Hay).
The route would have many benefits for the area and would enable traffic-free commuting as well as leisure cycling, walking including pushchairs and wheelchairs. This would encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce traffic congestion and associated pollution. It would also enhance tourism in the Derwent Valley and link tourist sites.
With growing concerns about obesity and health in our society as well as issues relating to climate change and pollution, a safe traffic-free cycle route in the Derwent Valley would have a lot of obvious benefits.
The group has prepared a proposal for the section of the route between Matlock and Rowsley, a flat and direct route along the bottom of the valley, with links to local facilities, Matlock rail station and Peak Rail heritage railway. The proposal can be viewed or downloaded on the route page.
Other actions taken by the group include:
The DVCG would like to thank Scarthin Books ( www.scarthinbooks.com ) for supporting the production of this website (Construction by Ben and content and updates by Liz Pasteur)