National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study

Links to the Peak District National Park: Fieldwork Note Annex B19

Proposed HS2 and HS3 Cycleway Barnsley Existing and proposed links to the National Park MANCHESTER White Peak Loop

SHEFFIELD

Buxton Bakewell *OLZ[LYÄLSK White Peak Loop

Leek Matlock

Ashbourne

Stoke-on-Trent Derby

Burton upon Trent

20 km

BIRMINGHAM

Route maps and notes December 2015

John Grimshaw & Associates B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 2 - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin

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National Cycleway in association with HS2: Background and Summary of Preliminary Feasibility Study

Map showing proposed Introduction routes for National This document is one of 22 Annexes to the main HS2 Cycleway Cycleway associated Project Report. It sets out the preferred routes which were identifi ed with HS2 Rail in workshops, refi ned in subsequent fi eld surveys and then discussed further with local authorities. The detailed mapping shows the different traffi c free and on road sections, and includes brief notes and photographs describing points of particular interest along the route. Background to the First Stage In January 2014, the Department for Transport (DfT) commissioned consultants, Royal HaskoningDHV, to carry out a Feasibility Study into creating a series of world class cycling routes from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. The project considers a study area that is generally three miles either side of the planned HS2 Rail alignment, and was conceived as an opportunity to deliver excellent local facilities for communities along the whole length of the proposed railway. It is envisaged that each section of cycle route would serve as an

- Binding Margin - Margin - Binding important facility at a local level, connecting where people live to where they want to go to; and by linking the individual sections together, a continuous long distance could be created that would provide an attractive leisure and tourism facility as well. As far as possible the project was also to enhance pedestrian routes, and in some cases bridleways too, all within the context of creating continuous, safe and attractive routes which would encourage the public to cycle for local trips, for leisure and as tourists. The report of this fi rst phase of work was completed in December 2014. It included a total of 18 detailed annexes, of which this is one, each of which described a section of the preliminary route options in some detail. The routes themselves were derived from discussions with local authorities and other interested bodies, backed up by cycling the routes as far as this was possible. In order to avoid too much repetition in the text and explanation of details, a selection of photographs of appropriate arrangements and details from both the UK and the Netherlands is included here to indicate the sort of quality of route the HS2 Cycleway aspires to realise.

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Area covered by Route Annexes Second Stage York The second stage of the study was carried out during 2015. It comprised meeting Leeds 08 with the local Highway Authorities and with the principal institutional landowners, such as Network Rail and the Canal & River Trust. Following on from these meetings, and any necessary further fi eldwork, the route proposals were revised, and a series Wakefi eld of “workbooks” prepared covering the details of how the proposed cycleway would Wigan 21 09 interact with Network Rail, HS2 and others. In addition 4 further Annexes were prepared covering links to the Peak District, and HS3 cycle routes from Manchester to Liverpool 03 Manchester Sheffi eld Liverpool, Sheffi eld and Leeds. 20 01 22 02 Manchester 10 Airport Considerations of a National Cycleway associated with 04 19 11 a future new high speed railway between Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffi eld and Leeds: options for links from these Crewe 05 Stoke-on-Trent 12 routes to the Peak District Nottingham

Over 2014-2015, the Department for Transport has been considering the feasibility of 06 creating a National Cycleway from London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. 13 The objective of this work has been to consider how best to provide cycling (and walking) routes of the highest standards common in Europe, through towns and Tamworth 07 - - Binding Margin settlements along a general corridor 3 miles either side of the HS2 Railway route. Birmingham As well as opening up local opportunities for everyday journeys, the linking of these Birmingham numerous local routes would give the opportunities for longer trips and even an end to International Airport end journey from London to remote destinations including the Peak District. Royal The Study Team have also been asked to consider the options for a similar National Leamington Spa Cycleway to correspond with a northern west/east high speed railway in order that 14 opportunities for creating such a route are not lost in planning of such a railway. Our report on this route has been broken down into three separate documents; Banbury from Liverpool to Manchester, Manchester to Sheffi eld and Manchester to Leeds. 15 This document covers the proposals for links from these routes to the Peak District National Park. 16 Aylesbury Route of railway 01 Route Annexes (B01-B22) London 17 18

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Design Standards - Summary A set of design standards was developed as part of the fi rst stage of the feasibility study. These are available as a separate document. The design standards strongly emphasise the need for continuity and integration of cycle infrastructure, and that facilities should be appealing to the end user and also consider the needs of non-users. The design standards are a working document, and will be reviewed throughout this stage of the feasibility study in order to best take into account differing local contexts. The design standards are consistent with the project’s overall aim of the National Cycleway being a domestic exemplar of what high-quality integrated modern cycling infrastructure looks like: safe, direct, coherent, comfortable and attractive. The design standards also emphasise that adaptability will be important as the UK grows its cycling mode-share. A strong focus is on the best practice seen in places with high levels of utility cycling like the Netherlands and Denmark. Attention is also paid to inclusivity, which not only covers all potential types of cyclists – including those with mobility impairment – but accessibility for all types of other users who will interact with the infrastructure. Benefi ts to the wider community should also be encouraged: even if individuals do not directly use the route for transport or leisure purposes, the design should take the opportunity for place-making along the route to improve the attractiveness of town centres or other areas through which the route passes.

- Binding Margin - Margin - Binding The default position of the design standards is that cyclists should be afforded their own dedicated space with physical separation from other users. This is an effort to move away from infrastructure strategies that default to a shared use path, or on- Single stage toucan crossing of dual carriageway in Aylesbury carriageway facilities with limited protection from motor vehicles on busy roads. The design standards, however, do allow for sharing with motor traffi c, pedestrians or equestrians in certain circumstances – normally where volumes are low. Steps may nevertheless be required to engineer these conditions where they are not currently present. It is likely that many extant greenways through open space or in the countryside which are shared with pedestrians and equestrians would already be suitable for use by the National Cycleway with few changes necessary. In more built-up environments, however, the design standards promote the implementation of dedicated infrastructure for cyclists, consistent with the best practice found elsewhere in the world where cycling for everyday journeys is commonplace. The design standards acknowledge the varied contexts of the areas through which the route is likely to pass. Quality of infrastructure should be highest where potential for the route to be used is greatest, which is in urban areas or between sizeable settlements in rural areas. However, designs should not be put forward that prevent further expansion as usage grows or new journey possibilities are created that stimulate demand for movement.

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Throughout the section of HS2 Cycleway route described in these notes, is intended, even though the brief descriptive notes attached to the route HS2 Cycleway: it is intended that the overall route is created to the highest standards of section maps may not explicitly say so. The photographs are loosely design, of surface, of continuity and attractiveness all based on current best arranged to run from the town to the countryside ending up with the A visual checklist of practice guidelines, including the Dutch CROW manual. all-important junction and crossings details. These are required at each and proposed standards The following examples drawn from England and Holland indicate what every intersection with traffi cked roads.

0 The HS2 Cycle route will start in the traffi c calmed core of the town where cyclists share the road space on equal 3 Closure of main street to traffi c. (Rotterdam) 6 Where space is limited the removal of the central white line terms with motor vehicles. (Massluis) and introduction of advisory cycle provision emphasises the presence of cyclists. (Gouda) - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin

4 Typical English town with “pedestrianised” town centre already paved to delineate cyclists. (Stafford) 1 Almost without exception cyclists will be permitted 2 way 7 One lane of the road made into a two way cycling track down one way streets in order to maximise their direct (Redcliffe Bridge, Bristol) networks. (Gouda)

5 The Embankment, London, showing the space created for the 8 Reallocation of road space through residential development to Cycle Superhighway create 2 way cycle route. (Breda) 2 Sympathetic treatment of main street in typical small town December 2015 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 7 B19

12 Typical railway path, 2.5m wide rural areas, 3.0m minimum urban areas. (Derby, Melbourne) 16 Typical measures to show traffi c on lightly traffi cked rural roads on routes advertised for cyclists 9 Cycle track set well back from main road and seperated by avenue trees. (Rotterdam)

13 Wide towpath on Calder navigation - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding

10 Wide promenade in urban park. (Tamworth) 17 Quiet lane approaching Lichfi eld – 20mph

14 Narrow 2m wide towpath on Erewash Canal; note sealed surface with appropriate coloured gravel

11 New cycle track in Warwick University grounds with lighting 15 Typical National Route in rural areas on lightly traffi cked road. 18 Typical minor cul-de-sac in Holland, links to ongoing path for (Boxtel to Eindhoven) cyclists. No motor vehicles permitted except farm vehicles

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22 Field boundary path with cattle grid and wicket gate approaching Kenilworth 19 Similar farm access on the way to Waddesdon 25 Cycling zebra at Aylesbury - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin

26 Priority crossing of side road at Gouda 23 Single stage toucan crossing of dual carriageway in Aylesbury 20 National Cycleroute (LF) parallel to main road in rural Holland. (LF13 Alphen)

27 Path continuing parallel to main road (Gouda). Note the 21 Stone based cycle route through National Forest near Ashby- 24 Dual use crossing of side road in Gouda crossing is arranged on the desire line de-la-Zouch December 2015 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 9 B19

28 Priority crossing in Rotterdam 31 Direct crossing in York on the desire line 34 Tank Top bridleway bridge over M1 - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding

29 Continuity of route on London Cycle Superhighway to Canary 32 Treatment of approaches to splitter island at roundabout in 35 Major new cycle route attached to railway bridge approaching Wharf Aylesbury Nijmegen

30 Direct priority crossing in Lancaster 36 Wide, on the level, underbridge at Tamworth 33 New shared use bridge over railway at Aylesbury Station December 2015 B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 10 - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin

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Study for National Cycleway associated with HS2: Links to the Peak District National Park

The Peak District National Park may be remote proportion of the Park’s 24 million annual visitors from the route of HS2 Rail, but it does own part to take up cycling (perhaps for the fi rst time), to Barnsley of the Midland Railway’s earlier endeavour to enjoy the Park without a car, and even to cycle to make a direct route to Manchester – the Peak the Park from the surrounding towns. MANCHESTER Line via Matlock and Buxton. The line still This note will summarise the existing provision, operates from Manchester to Buxton and from note the works in hand and will detail the Derby to Matlock providing two railheads for remaining opportunities to complete a network of SHEFFIELD the National Park, and the Peak Steam Railway primary linking cycle routes connecting the HS2 extends further from Matlock to near Rowsley. Cycleway with the heart of the White Peak. The rugged and spectacular core of the railway We will highlight the connection to the HS2 route, from Buxton to Rowsley, is now the Buxton Network Cycleway proposals, east and west of popular Monsal Trail. the Park, and hope to show how a programme Bakewell *OLZ[LYÄLSK This supplementary annex to the HS2 National of Links to the Peak is a natural extension of the White Peak Loop Cycleway study considers how best to connect National Cycleway and its ambition to encourage the two arms of the HS2 National Cycleway, many more people to cycle more, for more trips Leek Matlock which lie either side of the Peak District , to including both everyday utilitarian ones and those the Monsal Trail and its White Peak Loop. for leisure, recreation and tourism. This project is being created to encourage a Ashbourne

Stoke-on-Trent Derby

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20 km

BIRMINGHAM

Map showing the White Peak Loop, and the primary opportunities for linking cycling routes to the HS2 Cycleway east and west

Monsal Trail on the line of the Peak Railway at Millers Dale

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The White Peak Loop Map showing High Peak, Monsal and Tissington Trails with the proposed links to Buxton and Matlock Stations comprising the White Peak Loop

The National Park Authority has a history of developing popular cycling routes on former railway alignments – the High Peak Trail, 7 Buxton East Section: 8 Woo Dale Section: Buxton Station to Redgap Lane Church Lane and Woo 10 Monsal Trail East View of traffi c on the the Tissington Trail and more recently the Dale to Wyedale carpark Section: Headstone Tunnel A6 approaching Topley to Coombs Road Pike and the current Monsal Trail opened in 2011. These routes 6 Buxton South start of the popular Section: Green Lane Monsal Trail. It is not have all become an immensely popular to Buxton Station surprising that most way of visiting the countryside, but they are people reach the Trail by car, even though relatively isolated from towns and stations, Buxton is only a little so access is predominantly by car. The more than 3 miles away. White Peak Loop project aims to link all 5 Country Park Section: 9 Monsal Trail West: these routes together and to connect them Ladmanlow to Headstone Tunnel to to the centres of Matlock and Buxton and to Green Lane Topley Pike Section Opened 25 May 2011 off road route completed section their stations. 4a The HSL section to Ladmanlow has yet to be minor road route unfi nished section The County Council’s programme is set agreed, although it mostly out in Appendix 2 where the current work has a good tarmac surface (Cycling Ambition Fund) includes extending the Tissington Trail towards Buxton and 4b Staker Hill section to Harpur Hill Road: constructing a new route from Rowsley under construction 2015 to Matlock. The remaining links have 12 Rowsley to Matlock been detailed in various studies, with the 11 Haddon Hall Section: is to be constructed as Coombs Road to Rowsley exception of the segment from Matlock to part of the current Cycling Cromford (for the High Peak Trail) which is The White Peak Loop Cycling Route 3 Earl Ambition programme Sterndale outlined in these notes. This project sets out to link the popular Section: Tissington, High Peak and Monsal Trails through to Street

to Matlock and Buxton, and to each other. This House Farm - - Binding Margin will enable local residents, and visitors, to enjoy cycling through the National Park on largely traffi c free routes and even to visit the area 2. High Peak Trail arriving by train. The White Peak Loop has been divided up into 13 Cromford and sections for convenience, and to refl ect the work 1. Tissington Trail Matlock Section of the local Charity, Peak Cycle Links, which prepared detailed proposals for a number of sections; Ladmanlow Country Park, Woo Dale, Haddon Tunnels and Rowsley to Harrison Way and made Planning Applications in 2011. These were subsequently withdrawn as premature. The County Council is currently working to open The Cromford and High Peak Railway approaching the link from the Tissington Trail to Buxton and Buxton, owned by HSE that from Rowsley to Matlock 2015. Achieving these routes is a collaborative effort which relies on the support of District, Based on Ordnance Survey Digital Data with permission of Her Majesty’s Stationery Offi ce © Crown Copyright. Peak District Planning Authority Licence Number LA100005734 County and National Park Authority and the goodwill of many landowners including valuable supportive role: the Derwent Valley HSE (Health and Safety Executive who own Trust is promoting the route from Matlock a key section of the Cromford and High to Cromford as part of their ambition to Peak Railway leading into Buxton), Tarmac reach Derby; and the charity Peak Cycle who own extensive lands around Buxton Links have assembled lands required for the and the Haddon Hall Estate which owns links to Buxton, along with the Buxton Civic the railway route from Bakewell to Rowsley. Society which is a signifi cant landowner in In addition voluntary groups are playing a the area.

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A summary of the principal cycling links to the Peak and the White Peak Loop

There are a fair number of roads leading 4 It is not practical to make a route from to the National Park, but they pretty much Macclesfi eld because, however desirable, Map of links to the White Peak Loop all suffer from such a combination of long the long climb up main roads to the Cat and hills and heavily traffi cked sections that Fiddle is not for the faint hearted. The next they are not viable for a person who is main link is therefore from Manchester to Barnsley new to cycling, a family group or anyone Buxton via the Fallowfi eld Loop Line, linking who might wish to give cycling a go for across to the Peak Forest Canal at Marple, MANCHESTER recreation and pleasure. So as with the HS2 and then following the Chapel-en-le-Frith National Cycleway, this note considers the tramway to Doves Holes and Buxton. This SHEFFIELD opportunities of cycling routes which are route is of particular interest as it connects 4 created to the best of current standards and with numerous railway stations en route and are attractive and available to all. it could be explored in stages if necessary. Rather than repetitively referring to the 5 From Sheffi eld via the Hope Valley a Buxton 5 6 standards required, Appendix 1 has a largely minor road route is being developed collection of pictures showing the standards via Hope Valley, although to reach this Bakewell *OLZ[LYÄLSK sought for this project. area involves a considerable climb west of White Peak Loop Sheffi eld. Starting from Derby in the south the Leek Matlock principal links and opportunities are as 6 From Chesterfi eld the climb from follows: Holymoorside is unexpectedly gradual. The proposed route detailed here takes 1 Derby to Ashbourne for the Tissington Trail Ashbourne in Chatsworth and relies entirely on the is the existing Pennine Cycleway NCN route support of that Estate. 7 68. It runs through Derby city centre to join Stoke-on-Trent 3 1 the Mickleover railway path to Etwall, and 7 From Derby to Matlock is the long sought Derby - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding then follows minor roads to Ashbourne. Derwent Valley route which offers the only easily graded approach to the heart of the 2 2 Burton-on-Trent to Ashbourne offers a Peak Park. largely traffi c free connection to reach the Burton upon existing Mickleover railway path at Etwall, Each of these routes is discussed in more Trent and then follows the signed NCN route 68 detail below. on minor roads to Ashbourne. 3 Stoke-on-Trent to the Tissington trail (completed route) following the resurfaced 2020kms km Caldon Canal towpath to Leek, via minor roads to join the Manifold Trail (opened as a path in 1932) through to the Tissington Trail.

BIRMINGHAM

Proposed HS2 and HS3 Cycleway Existing and proposed links to the National Park, with route references in this annex White Peak Loop

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The Dark Peak

This northern area of the National Park is 1 Fallowfi eld Loop 10 well served by the long established Trans 2 Denton gap Pennine Trail which provides an almost 7 3 Hattersley and completely traffi c free route from Hadfi eld 12 Broadbottom gap to be Station to Penistone, and then on to 6 resolved Sheffi eld. (This route is detailed in Annex 11 5 B22 as the proposed National Cycleway 4 Gamesley gap 5 Longdendale from Manchester to Sheffi eld, which sets 4 3 out how to overcome the 3 crossings of the 2 9 6 Woodhead crossing heavily traffi cked A63 road at Woodhead.) 7 Dunford Bridge, Penistone and Deepcar railway path 8 8 Upper Don routes 1 9 Stocksbridge option 13 10 Link to Barnsley and HS2 Cycleway Network 14 11 Possible enhancements with an expressway to Hyde in conjunction with a new high speed railway route 12 Notional line of new railway Trans Pennine Trail near Dunford bridge showing the Traffi c free and access roads Trans Pennine Trail via Woodhead excellent surface laid at the time of the Tour 13 Peak Forest Canal On road Castleton route via Peak Forest Canal 14 NCN route Castleton to - - Binding Margin Sheffi eld

Although the TPT is a wonderful route, (newly connected to the TPT) to Ladybower taking in some expansive views of the high Reservoir which can only be described as moors, it does not connect southwards to a challenge route, but it does provide a the White Peak. The Pennine Cycleway valuable link to the Derwent Valley. It also NCN 68 takes a hilly, largely minor road, connects to Sheffi eld’s current ambition route through New Mills but it is only project through Stocksbridge which will suitable for experienced and confi dent provide for an alternative way through from View back down Longdendale showing the necessity cyclists. Even more extreme is the Cut Dunford Bridge to Sheffi eld. for a bridge crossing the almost continuous streams of Gate bridleway from Langsett Reservoir traffi c

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The linking routes in more detail 1. Derby to Ashbourne 33 kms

1 Rolls Royce National Cycleway to City Centre 2 Urban details 3 Mickleover railway path to Etwall 4 Minor rural roads requiring speed management 7 5 Ashbourne Town roads 6 Tissington Trail Railway Path 7 White Peak Loop 6 8 Derwent Valley route proposals described in some detail later 8 in this annex.

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A Derby and Ashbourne to the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay 33kms

This is the existing TPT route 68. The 3 Vernon Street is certainly grand. The route leaves Derby to join the Mickleover existing end-on car parking could be Railway path to Etwall and then minor lanes rearranged to create space for a promenade to Ashbourne where it joins the Tissington here. Trail’s grand opening at Ashbourne tunnel. A detailed description is given of the initial section to Etwall. Some minor works are required through the Ashbourne approaches to enhance the continuity and standard of the route. Raised priority crossings required Onslow Road would benefi t from restoring an avenue of trees to create an attractive greenway link 6 The path needs to be more clearly defi ned connecting the two sections of traffi c free path on the south side of Brackensdale Road and 10 A dedicated crossing of Station Road is a dedicated crossing provided. needed, and then the widening of the west Vernon Street side footway. Station Road bridge is infi lled. 4 The route now follows a long sequence of The route joins the Mickleover Railway path small residential roads. On the whole these at ground level. work well, but there is a risk of the traveller losing the way in the turns and junctions. Raised pavements at each junction combined with clear marking on the surface Ashbourne Tunnel at the southern end of the of the road are recommended to address Tissington Trail this. 1 The route connects to the HS2 cycle route A dedicated crossing of Brackensdale Road is needed - - Binding Margin at the Council House by the riverside and and the path under the bridge widened to reach the also to the Derwent Valley route to Matlock greenway on the far side and Chatsworth. 7 Over this section the path runs in open Station Road looking towards the line of the old Friarsgate is only partly dealt with and there space on the south side of the railway railway is no cycling provision for inbound traffi c. cutting which has been abandoned. As at Burton ambitious thinking is needed to 11 The attractive route has views over the 8 The route runs through open grassland here take cyclists through the centre of the city. countryside and generally a good stone and passes a BMX track. Perhaps arranging for the traffi c to be one surface. Over some sections the railway way to free up space for a “superhighway” 9 Join Onslow Road. A raised pavement land has an additional width making for a is the optimum arrangement. Typical residential streets signed as route to Derby crossing is needed to emphasise the useful wildlife corridor. 5 There are 3 minor slip road crossings, all of entrance to the path and tree planting 12 There are 3 farm road crossings where which need raised pavements to emphasise would help the image of the route. Local existing double gates need replacing with the route. All through this Mickleover early roads need signing to this key entry point to cattle grids and wicket gates. ensure that the whole community is aware generation path, the crossings are poorly Mickleover Path farm crossings need to be replaced defi ned, or don’t really exist and the kerbs of this very useful route to and from the with narrow cattle grids and wicket gates centre of Derby. Here, and elsewhere, all are far from fl ush. These details need to be 13 This railway path now takes a direct line attended to in order to persuade the public barriers should be removed so as to enable cyclists to continue their journeys easily. to Derby. It has attractive views over the of the convenience and ease of the route, countryside and generally a good stone and raise levels of usage. surface. Over some sections the railway The remaining cast iron railway bridge at Friarsgate. land has an additional width making for a The picture shows the bits and pieces of cycle facility useful wildlife corridor. which need to be overhauled on this road

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A Derby and Ashbourne to the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay 33kms

5 10 9 6

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Typical view along the Mickleover Path

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2 Burton-on-Trent to Ashbourne 32 kms

The fi rst part of the route goes to Etwall, where it joins the route from Derby along To Ashbourne and NCN route 68 to Ashbourne for the Tissington Trail Tissington Trail. Detailed notes are given on the fi rst section to Etwall.

Details of Burton-upon-Trent to Etwall 11kms (for Ashbourne 32kms) The challenge for this route is to make a Railway path to Rolleston on Dove really good quality connection from the 8 Provide crossing of Dovecliff Road. centre of Burton-upon-Trent to Rolleston- 9 A good 5m wide passage has been on-Dove and Hilton. The latter is expanding reserved along the west side of these horse rapidly but has no practical cycling route paddocks. to Hilton which is only 5 miles away. The minor road via Dove Bridge is circuitous, 10 Ramp back up to this very well maintained whilst the cycle track over the river adjacent railway embankment. to the A38 is a route one would want to 11 New bridge required over the Mill Fleam and travel only once in a lifetime. the River Dove. 12 Investigate if it might be possible to pass under the Uttoxeter Railway at its Hilton Brook Bridge, otherwise bridge over the line, then run along the boundary for the - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin woodland strip to the Mease. 13 Cross the main road and enhance the cycleway to reach the main spine greenway. Road and Princess Way bridges. allowed at present on this Parish Council 14 Resurface this all through so that it attracts owned path. residents onto the route. All road crossings The A38 cycletrack is brutally exposed to intense 3 The existing cycleway on the west side of traffi c Princess Way could be widened. should be raised zebras. By contrast, the former railway route has the potential to make a direct and very attractive way to Hilton and to link to the Mickleover railway path, in turn leading to Derby. 1 The optimum solution to passing through Burton–upon Trent and accessing the station will need bold decisions, and there is no obvious route. There are a number Path north of Bridge Street of useful cycleways in Burton and there View of Spine Greenway through Hilton as it passes is a potential network if the links and Princess Way cycletrack with extensive adjacent 6 Make a dedicated crossing of Bridge Street the Industrial Estate discontinuities could be resolved. vegetation and construct a new easily graded ramp 15 Widen current link to railway and provide 2 The Kingfi sher Trail runs on the broad 4 Run a new path through the wide open down to the formation level. dedicated crossing of Egginton Road landscape and provide a toucan crossing embankment just to the south of the Trent 7 This wildlife corridor makes for an excellent A5132. approximately on the line of the old railway. and Mersey canal towpath. There is a clear route. The path would need to be passage under Dallow Street, Horniglow 5 Good path with street lighting - no cyclists reconstructed throughout.

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2 Burton-on-Trent to Ashbourne 32 kms

16 Join the railway path all the way through to 18 Etwall is well linked to the path for access Mickleover. This is a good continuous route. north and south. There is a purpose built Its stone surface needs to be sealed and as subway under the A516 more or less on the many links to adjacent communities created line of the former railway. as possible. 16 17 The key existing bridge under the A50. 15 12 13 14

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The A516 underbridge is conveniently positioned 10 19 A short link leads to the Sutton Lane for the 9 The A50 tunnel existing signed NCN 68 route to Ashbourne, joining the route from Derby. 8

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3 Stoke-on-Trent to the Tissington trail 54kms (open route)

B Stoke-on-Trent to Tissington Barnsley MANCHESTER Trail at Parsley Hay (54 kms)

SHEFFIELD 1 HS2 National Cycleway: Stafford/Stone/ Stoke/Newcastle-under-Lyne/Crewe. Buxton 2 Caldon Canal towpath. Bakewell *OLZ[LYÄLSK White Peak Loop 3 Minor rural roads. Leek Matlock 4 Manifold Trail Railway paths. Ashbourne 5 Minor roads and Dove link. Stoke-on-Trent Derby 6 Tissington Trail Railway Path. Burton upon Typical view of the Manifold Trail Trent 7 High Peak Trail part of White Peak Loop. 8 To Buxton 20 km 9 Tissington Trail to Ashbourne. 10 Carsington Water direct route. BIRMINGHAM This route follows the towpath of the Caldon Canal all the way through to Leek (for Rudyard Reservoir Paths) and Cheddleton. The towpath has been reconstructed to a good standard throughout, (Cycling Ambition monies) and its only drawback

is that 18 kms is rather a long way to stay - - Binding Margin on a towpath; some variety of route may be possible in the future via the centres of The Manifold Trail runs on a very lightly traffi cked road villages or other links. through this tunnel The route then follows minor roads with some excellent views, across to Waterhouses (maybe a new link could be created to bypass the last section of roads serving the Cement Works at Cauldon) where it reaches the start of the Manifold Trail which winds its way to Holme End 15 kms away. The fi nal connection to the Tissington Trail follows small roads to Hartington (with a lovely off road section to cross the Dove). From here the route follows 5 kms of this beautiful trail to reach the White Peak Loop at the junction with the View of the High Peak Trail which joins the Tissington High Peak line. There is also a signed route Trail to make a long completed section of the White Peak Loop via Carsington Reservoir.

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3 Stoke-on-Trent to the Tissington trail 54kms (open route)

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4 Manchester to Buxton 48kms

and then drops down to 300m in the centre Notes on the proposed Manchester Barnsley of Buxton. ( Note that a slightly lesser climb and Buxton route via the Peak Forest MANCHESTERCHCHE can be realised if a new route was to be Tramway through Chapel-en-le-Frith SHEFFIELD built parallel to the railway from Buxton to 1 The Fallowfi eld Loop line from Oxford Road Doveholes. This is not recommended at this to the City Centre. Buxtonn stage on account of additional cost). Bakewell *OLZ[LYÄLSK White Peak Loop

Leek Matlock

Ashbourne Whaley Stoke-on-Trent Brinnington Tunnel Derby Bridge Chapel-en- le-Frith 7 The ramp down to the M60 needs to be re- Burton upon Trent engineered to give a 1:20 gradient. A 8 Long sequence of bridges could be

20 km intimidating and needs lighting. 365

10kms Fallowfi eld Loop Line B 468 BIRMINGHAM 2 The proposed route to Sheffi eld continues along the Mersey Valley. C Map of links to the Peak National Park showing the 3 The route to Buxton branches off at Reddish 390 proposed route from Manchester to Buxton D Vale Country Park, where a long ramp Buxton climbs up to the railway level. Detailed description of a 475 Manchester to Buxton route for - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin the Peak District via Marple and Route through the M60 Chapel-en-le-Frith 48 kms Map of routes from Whaley Bridge to Buxton 9 Make a new link to bypass Stockport West Hills dictate a route along much the same Route B (orange) via the most attractive Road. corridor which the railways followed. We Goyt Valley reservoirs has to climb to 475m follow the Manchester and Sheffi eld Trans before dropping steeply into Buxton. Its 10 Cross on existing pelican light. Pennine Trail as far as Reddish Vale Country wild upland countryside has much to 11 Convert wide footway of Osbourne Street to Park, and then cross over into the Goyt recommend it for an experience of the shared use. Valley for Marple. The fi rst climb of the National Park Reddish Vale route is from the valley fl oor to the towpath Route C (red), the Pennine Cycleway 4 This section of railway route is monumental of the Peak Forest Canal which runs level all NCN68, is the most direct but has a steep in its grandeur and its position high above the way to Bugsworth Basin. From here we climb out of Buxton to 486m and has to the river. recommend a route following the line of the contend with quite a long length of the main 5 The railway path (and TPT route) continues Peak Forest Tramway through Chapel-en- Manchester Road. le-Frith for the second large climb up to the to Stockport and it is now lit. The High Peak Railway ‘D’ (pale blue) top of the Chapel incline; then continue on 6 Brinnington Tunnel (160m) is a small the Tramway to Dove Holes. The fi nal stage which loops around the south of Buxton highlight of this route. of the route is largely on minor roads. also comes in high at 390m. We have not followed this up because the Burbage tunnel There is a choice for routes from Whaley is possibly not available and the steep Bridge. The one selected (route A, Bunsal Cop Bank, which is now a road, marked in green) has the least climb and would need to be bypassed by extensive serves the most local people. It climbs to zigzag paths to ease the gradient. about 365m AOB (from 40m in Manchester)

December 2015 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 23 B19

4 Manchester to Buxton 48kms

2 - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding

1

3 4 6 5

7

11 8 9 10

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4 Manchester to Buxton 48kms

12 The fi rst part of this bridleway is a wide 18 Attractive riverside route then climbs the 24 Particularly poor section of path and bank. stone access road heavily rutted. It needs escarpment to playing fi eld level with a long rebuilding and asphalting to ensure its zigzag. The Toptrek surface is surviving integrity. well but the path will need a sealed surface before long. This section ends up at the 13 This central station is gated off and Rose Hill School. runs through a quite beautiful piece of landscape. It is hard to realise that there 19 These residential roads will avoid nearly all is a considerable city pressing in over the the main street traffi c. hilltops in every direction. 20 Link to Rose Hill Station and the Middlewood Way Railway Path to Macclesfi eld. 21 The best route, and the appropriate solution Section of Peak Forest Canal with poor towpath and bank; reinstatement required through Marple to reach the Peak Forest Canal remains to be determined. 25 Through New Mills itself, where the path is most needed, it is completely derelict - 22 Join the canal at the top of the Marple maybe because access is diffi cult. There is Flight. a most important access to the town at this 23 The Peak Forest Canal has some good point. sections of towpath. These are mostly 26 For the remainder of the way the canal path south of New Mills. But apart from sections is in a good state, although patches need The Goyt Valley where the canal bank needs rebuilding repairing. 14 The bridleway now becomes the farm (approx. 500m) there is a good width of access road. bank for at least a 2m path. On this canal

it is particularly frustrating that the rampant - - Binding Margin 15 Existing toucan crossing of Otterspool hedging cuts out a big view over the valley Road. below. The hawthorn could be mostly 16 Vale Road is attractive but needs removed and replanted at the bottom of the resurfacing. bank and then kept trimmed to 0.5m above 17 Connect 2 bridge over the Goyt makes this path level. This would give boaters a view whole route, avoiding main roads, possible. too.

The Connect2 bridge over the Goyt Canal path approaching New Mills

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4 Manchester to Buxton 48kms

16 12 15 17 18 19 13

21 14 22 20

23 - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding

Middlewood Way and route to Manchester Airport

24

25 26

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4 Manchester to Buxton 48kms

27 This link to Furness Vale is the most when it is not being used for testing? Then would be best to zigzag up the fi eld edge convenient station link along the way. on the closed days the public could walk to run below the boundary wall to join the the adjacent fi eld path. The 92m Stodhart tramway again at the point the public path 28 For access to Whaley Bridge use the old Tunnel is of historical note as it was crosses the way. subway. The branch canal continues opened in 1796. It is used to test humidity to have good width and there are good on the brakes, and is blocked at its north sightlines under the main A6 road bridge. end by road works. 29 Bugsworth Basin is the historic transhipment point for limestone bought down on the tramway to the barges.

30 A generally good section of the Peak Forest Tramway Bridge under the A6 Tramway which has been resurfaced. 40 Make a gentle inclined link from the tramway 31 Over this section the way is rudimentary to the playing fi elds near the Bull Ring with many of the original stone blocks The tramway just above the Top O’ Th’ Plane Henge which stands rather magnifi cently at showing. A way has to be devised for the top of the park. It should be possible 37 The tramway miraculously remains intact maintaining these historic elements but also to work out a good way through the former cutting around the hillside high above the to provide a smooth passage for cycling quarry workings. This route then links direct The Ferodo Section of the tramway used as a test main road and past the lay-by adjacent to people. road to the school. the railway. Bridge under the 41 Continues more or less on the line of the railway viaducts existing paths to reach the Buxton Road. 33 Hayfi eld Road 42 Widen the east side footway for shared use has a wide to reach Longridge Lane. verge along its west side - - Binding Margin suffi cient to continue a good traffi c free route. Set the new path to the side of the remaining stone 34 The southern blocks on the Peak Forest Tramway section is Tramway remains intact to the left of the main road A6 narrow and 38 The tramway continues on a ledge above lined with the roundabout and then passes under parked cars. Lodeswell Bridge (Paradise Farm road) via a One way side arch. traffi c with contrafl ow cycling may be an appropriate solution. 39 Then, again against expectation, the tramway is intact under the A6 where the 35 Market Street has a one way orbital system, bridge has been rebuilt in concrete to create and a 2 way promenade section might be a permanent structure. The tramway then the best arrangement. continues in a magnifi cent cutting away View of reconstructed section of Tramway near 36 The tramway “Chapel” incline to towards the old limestone quarries at Dove Whitehough Top O’ Th’ Plane climbs some 50m at 1:6 Holes. No doubt the bridge was retained to 32 This upper section of the tramway is used and the adjacent Ashbourne Lane is equally provide for a future siding off the main line. by Ferodo to test brakes. This may be a steep. Some years ago the Council had very infrequent operation, or it may be it plans for making a path on the tramway has a limited future? Could the tramway/ route which involved easing the gradient road be used by the public at all the times by cutting diagonally across the hillside. It

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4 Manchester to Buxton 48kms

27 28

- Binding Margin - Margin - Binding 29 30 31 32 34 33 36 35 37

38 40 39

41 42

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4 Manchester to Buxton 48kms

43 Longridge Lane is an attractive route with 48 The fi nal approach to the station can run good views. level behind the platform to reach the Town Centre.

Longridge Lane 44 Waterswallows Road carries heavy industrial traffi c and must be bypassed. One option is to pick up Green Lane on the south side of Waterswallows Quarry and make this up 43 to a good surface. Another would be to construct a new path along near the main road in the edge of the quarry. 45 The Woo Dale proposed route to the Monsal Trail for Bakewell, Matlock and Derby. 46 Although this section of Waterswallows - - Binding Margin Road no longer carries industrial traffi c it still has a fair amount of cars. The road should be treated as a 20mph road, the centre line removed and advisory cycles lanes added. 47 All routes to Buxton are faced with a hill here. The A6 takes the easiest alignment but is much too heavily traffi cked for the National Cycleway. Options are discussed in some detail in the Woo Dale studies. 48 44

46 45

47

A6 at the approach to Buxton. One option for the fi nal section of the cycling route crosses the road at this point

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5 From Sheffi eld via the Hope Valley

Barnsley C Sheffi eld and Buxton Link, now largely signed as NCN route – 48kms MANCHESTER 1 Existing route from Sheffi eld City Centre 5 Traffi c management and new paths needed. SHEFFIELD including Whiteley Wood Valley paths. 6 Woo Dale route to complete the White Peak

Buxtonn 2 Minor country routes. There are proposals Loop to the Monsal Trail. Bakewell *OLZ[LYÄLSK for a route along the main road from White Peak Loop 7 Monsal Trail to Bakewell. Leek Hathersage to Castleton. Matlock 8 Proposed Peak Forest Tramway route to 3 Abandoned main road – slips. Ashbourne Chapel-en-le-Frith and Manchester.

Stoke-on-Trent 4 Minor roads. As the approach Buxton there Derby is more quarry traffi c.

Burton upon Trent

SHEFFIELD 20 km

BIRMINGHAM 3 A largely minor road route is being developed via Hope Valley, although to reach this area involves a considerable climb west of Sheffi eld. Some salient points

- Binding Margin - Margin - Binding about this route are shown on the thumbnail 1 map. This route is quite hard work, but has rewarding views and landscapes. Of all the links described here it is probably the one least suitable for a novice cyclist and the 2 National Park boundary one the most diffi cult to bring up to our target of the best European standards. 4 8 National Park boundary

BUXTON 6

5 7 The remains of the old main road above Castleton

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6 Chesterfi eld to Chatsworth and Rowsley

1 Starting from Chesterfi eld Station the 4 The route runs at the back of the charming 9 Consider a 2 way segregated lane past the Barnsley next phase of the Hipper Valley trail is under Queen’s Park still following the riverside. supermarket along Bobbin Mill Lane MANCHESTER construction along the line of a former It has just one entrance link to the Park, and 10 On pavement link to existing toucan SHEFFIELD railway, this work includes the reinstatement really needs a second link at the south end crossing of Walton Road. of two bridges over the highway. so as to avoid cyclists using the footway. 11 Stone path along the bank of the reservoir Buxton 2 A good path continues through a green strip Bakewellell *OLZ[LYÄLSK makes for a most attractive section which White Peak Loop beside the river. then evolves into a woodland path set on Leek Matlock the wide bank of the reservoir leat. All this Ashbourne section is due for reconstruction to good Stoke-on-Trent standards. Derby

Burton upon Trent

20 km

Car park link at Queens Park BIRMINGHAM 5 The route from the Town Centre is very Chesterfi eld Market looking towards West Bars good, starting in the Market Square, then Chesterfi eld to Rowsley (22kms) with a toucan crossing of West Bars, and The route being developed by the County the surprising way through the Post Offi ce Council via the Hipper Valley and Beeley buildings and smoothed arched bridge over Walton Dam Moor has excellent potential for a way to Markham Road ending in the Park by the

12 Popular playing fi eld route needs widening - - Binding Margin central café. Matlock. Even better would be for the route out to shared use standard. to go via Chatsworth lands to join the White 6 Marked out through the car park and with a 13 New bridge and short length of newly built Peak Loop at Rowsley. This would take signalled crossing of Boythorpe Road. the visitor to one of the chief attractions of path at the start of the Holymoorside Village 7 The fi rst section of Dock Walk is not very the whole area as well as provide a more link. inviting. It feels busy and industrial although direct route to the heart of the Peak District, 14 Field edge link programmed for this soon gives way to a leafy cul-de-sac. Bakewell and the Monsal Trail for Buxton. construction. Tree planting might ease the fi rst 100m. As this route is not yet adopted into the Bridge to Queens Park 15 Village centre. 8 The link here is little over 2m wide between Council’s plans and strategies it is worth 3 Park Road needs a crossing detail (raised brick walls. When development takes place 16 Harewood Road is a perfect route to the describing it here in a little detail: zebra) as traffi c backs up from the main one side or the other needs to be widened summit; it is easily graded, lightly traffi cked, road junction and the way across needs to out and planted, as well as linked to any has only one reverse gradient, and offers be kept clear. development. long level views at the summit.

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6 Chesterfi eld to Chatsworth and Rowsley

Chesterfi eld To Sheffi eld

5

7 6 1 4 2 14 8 3 9 5 10 11 Local link 13 12 7 3 13

0 1.0km 6 1 - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding 10 8 4 15 traffi c free and 14 9 2 access roads 12 11 on road

HS2 Cycle Route 16 to Nottingham

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6 Chesterfi eld to Chatsworth and Rowsley

17 Once over the main road crossing, the road 19 It would be much better to follow the Estate 23 A garage blocks the end of the old farm 25 A short woodland section through Bank is very quiet, but then the road to Beeley Road towards the Emperor Pond, a gravel track but the existing narrow path which Wood leads to Haddon Hall’s fi elds. is too busy and too fast, and too steep to track which is currently a concessionary bypasses it could be widened. 26 The remainder of the way is a well-defi ned follow for long. (Note the route to Matlock path for walkers only. If the Estate were 23a Alternatively stay near the river bank and fi eld edge track, heavily used by livestock. is shown but only as a standby should it willing to make it concessionary for cyclists follow the farm track into the fi eld. The It would have to be rebuilt and asphalted. prove not possible to devise a way past too, it would create a route to the visitors’ farm road would need to be made up and It might be better to construct a new path Chatsworth which is satisfactory to the entrance to Chatsworth House itself. surfaced, and if this alignment were followed along the fi eld edge above the track at least Estate.) 20 From here there is a route direct to it might be best to take a route nearer the from Bank Plantation, so as to avoid using Bakewell, but it involves a severe climb from riverside along the hedge line. the most heavily worked section of the Edensor and would not be suitable for family track. Ramp up here so as to avoid passing 24 This is another beautiful path which cuts groups or visitors wishing to cycle up to visit through farm yard, and join the Monsal Trail across open fi elds. If this way were agreed Chatsworth House from Matlock Station. A currently under development (Matlock to then it might be better to choose an level route via Rowsley is required for this. Rowsley). alignment a little to the west at the edge of 21 The main drive is on the north bank. the level fi elds and start of the slope as this However if the footpath route south of could be fenced off. the river could be made up to a smooth Rowsley to Matlock (8kms) all weather surface then it would be excellent for shared use, and provide the This section would follow the section of the White Peak Loop currently under Looking down towards Hell Bank Plantation only practical way of avoiding the busy Chatsworth Road. In practice this would development. this is to largely run adjacent 18 Turn off the tarmac road to this permissive look very similar to the narrow ungated to the Peak Railway and is not discussed track past Hell Bank Plantation. To start road across the fi elds to Oker on the way to further in these notes. with it is almost level and easy to cycle, Matlock. but at the corner it drops steeply and the 22 Cross the main road and follow the quiet - - Binding Margin surface is very rough. If this were to be road to Carlton Lees. This passes the followed the whole route would need to garden centre and is part of the Derwent have a strong sealed surface to the same Heritage Way. standard as the lower part of the track Track through pasture on the way to Oker serving Beeley Hilltop Farm.

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6 Chesterfi eld to Chatsworth and Rowsley

traffi c free and access roads 113 on road

Climb to Ballcross 120 height for Bakewell

285

20 21 19

22 18 120 17 23a

23 335 White Peak Loop Haddon Tunnel option 24 - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding 25 26

100

White Peak Loop Rowsley & Matlock section

0 1.0km

Haddon Tunnel Cycling in heavy traffi c on the Bakewell Road

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7 Matlock to Derby

6 The A6 has a wide carriageway through Buxton Matlock to Cromford (5kms) *OLZ[LYÄLSK to Matlock Bath. Ideally this would be Bakewell 1 Matlock Town Centre. Matlock Bridge White Peak Loop narrowed to allow for a much wider has been modifi ed to accommodate Leek MatlockM pavement and an avenue of trees to cyclists on a good route to the station and enhance the walk along the river side. Ashbournerrnrnene supermarket. A new drystone wall could be created to Stoke-on-Trent DerbyD 2 Follow the wide promenade along the separate the cyclists and walkers from the riverside to reach Knowleston Place. A6 to provide additional safety. Burton upon Hall Leys Park is a most attractive setting Trent for arriving in or leaving Matlock.

A Derwent Valley route from Matlock to Derby New Mills bridge would make the link to Lovers Walk The River Derwent’s valley is the principal opportunity for an easily graded route into the 11 “Lovers Walk” could be refurbished and Peak District from Derby and the south, either widened over much of its length and along its fl ood plain or on nearby roads and some of its romantic features refreshed or tracks. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way has extended. already created - a footpath from Ladybower 12 At its southern end there is a rough track, or Reservoir to Derby and Derwent Mouth, vestiges of one, leading around to the park some 55 miles in length. Now a subgroup View through Matlock Pleasure Grounds below Willersley Castle. Opposite Masson’s within the Derwent Valley Trust is promoting a A6 Dale Road towards Matlock Bath 3 The start of the riverside path is slightly Mill Shopping Centre it would be most complementary cycling route, at least over its 7 At one or two locations the path can move restricted over some short sections. It may desirable to construct a new bridge over the lower section from Chatsworth House to Derby. away from the roadside, making it quieter be worth considering some works to widen river so that the public could reach this Mill and more attractive. These notes build on the Trust’s, which in part these. Through to the railway arch the path independently of the A6. - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin follow the route of the Heritage Way, but diverge is wide and already used by cyclists as well 8 Cross the river on the bridge to the High Tor 13 Negotiate a new path through the Park, where the route of the walk is unsuitable for as walkers. Colour Works and follow its access road to perhaps set back a little from the river’s shared use, or for cycling. Over some sections Matlock Bath Station. This links to the rail 4 After the railway, the tarmac path skirts edge, so as to allow for fl y fi shermen. (The the proposed cycling route will provide an side path leading to the Heights of Abraham a hidden meadow where there is ample owners may prefer the route to follow the opportunity to enhance the course of the Heritage Cable Car. space for widening if required. This is a very existing road past the front of the Castle) Way. pleasant oasis along the route and before 9 Consider making a defi ned route through This section might look similar to the The hills of the Peak District are all very well for reaching the A6. Matlock Bath Station to reach the bridge unfenced road across the grazed fi elds the fi t leisure cyclist following the route once back over the river and the main road to Oker, or for that matter the drive to 5 The bridge over the river is narrow, but in a while, but for the daily trip, and for the through the town. This is a very congested Chatsworth House. should be adequate to accommodate the encouragement of ordinary people who cycle, area in high season and the route needs to modest numbers anticipated, as this part of 14 Join Lea Road and turn left for Cromford novices, families and tourists, the route should follow the east side of the river. the route is remote from concentrations of Station or continue by crossing the road be as easy, attractive and free from confl ict with people. 10 In order to reach the end of “Lovers Walk” a bridge over the river again and then traffi c as far as possible. As far as possible the new bridge needs to be suspended against construct a new path into the Sports proposed route keeps to level ways on the valley the rock face to bridge the short gap from Ground. Traffi c calming and signs at the fl oor so the route can be used for short everyday the station area to the Walk. This bridge bridge which is used by vehicles walkers journeys between settlements. would need to be about 40m long and it and cyclists would be advisable. These notes start from the centre of Matlock and could look very similar to the wonderful 15 Construct a new path along the fi eld edge run through to Derby Station. They are based structure along the River Goyt at New Mills. to avoid Mill Road, and to take advantage of upon observations from walking and cycling (Torrs Millennium Walkway). this south facing open space. along the valley, as far as this is possible but at this stage no systematic attempt has been made to contact the many interested, and vital, landowners along the way. Bridge over the Derwent

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Matlock to Cromford

1 traffi c free and Matlock access roads 0 1.0km 2 on road

5

6 White Peak Loop path from Rowsley to Matlock current scheme 7 3 4 Corridor adjacent to Peak rail for planned Matlock and Rowsley cycling link

1

- Binding Margin - Margin - Binding 2 4 8 6 3

5 7 8

9 10

12 11 14 9 15 11 10 13

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Cromford to Ambergate and Belper Bridge

Cromford Wharf to of the fi eld to reach the Derwent Castings the forest road. In places it is surfaced 1-11 Whatstandwell (5.0kms) industrial back yard. (The owners would like with large smooth boulders. The route is the route to pass their yard, which they wish generally well graded although there are The Cromford Canal has a good towpath to redevelop for holiday cottages) one or two steeper sections. Overall it is a all the way from Cromford to Ambergate. delight to use. However, at least as far as Leawood 10 If following the canal, construct a new Pumphouse, the towpath is already very ramp down to the yard. This reduces the busy, and much of the canal (which is length of towpath being used to a minimum, disused) runs alongside the Derbyshire brings the public out onto the A6 adjacent Wildlife Trust’s Derwentside Nature Reserve. Crossing the Matlock railway to its river bridge and avoids the steep 6 Follow the canal path at least as far as the Stoney Wood Drive. These proposals offer a separate route Gregory Tunnel. Over some sections there from Cromford Wharf to the Lea Wood 11 The Family Tree café is strategically situated is scope to widen the path, perhaps with at the end of this stage of the route, and Pumphouse, then use only relatively short small timber revetments as had been done sections of the towpath, and follows an Whatstandwell Station is nearby. further south. Existing track in Shining Cliff Woods alternative route through Shining Cliff Woods Whatstandwell beyond Whatstandwell. 1-7 How best to handle the surface of this to Ambergate (3.7kms) type of track is always a bit of a quandary. 1 From Cromford Wharf follow the playing A sealed surface might be considered fi eld road to the southernmost point of the This section is entirely based around the inappropriate, but it would be the most fi elds. use of the track winding through Shining Cliff Woods. Whilst this has public access useful and durable fi nish. 2 Cross the towpath and the canal with a new over its whole length, at its northern end the 6 Past the Wireworks site the route backs bridge. Another option would be to pass Haytop Country Park camp site is private onto a medley of low industrial buildings under the railway arch, then bridge the river Cromford Canal towpath and an agreement would be needed to use which provide an interesting backdrop. to run along the edge of the fi eld next to, 7 The Tunnel is a memorable feature of the its drive. but lower than, Lea Road, and then use the 7 Join this residential road to reach Holly Lane - - Binding Margin towpath route, but its narrow passageway, Sewage works bridge to cross back over 1 Cross the Derwent on the A6 bridge. Some which leads to Ambergate Station. 90m long, would be something of a the river to reach the canal at the base of thought is required on how best to arrange bottleneck if the popularity of this route Ambergate to Belper Cromford Incline. Severn Trent support this this river crossing and indeed the crossing 1-9 were to increase too much. We advocate route and would provide land adjacent to of the main road. Central islands may be Bridge (4.4km) following the canal in the fi rst instance, but the connecting path through their works to required on the bridge approach at either This section of route relies on gaining bypass options should be investigated. enable it to be widened. end, and then advisory cycling routes access to the northern end of the excellent Gregory Tunnel between them. Wyver Lane. The proposed riverside link 3 Cut up gradually through scrubby land to looking towards would make for a real enhancement of the either run along the edge of the Works. Whatstandwell 2 Join the former drive to Alderwasley Hall Although it would be possible instead to use which now leads to the Haytop Country Heritage Way which currently climbs the a short section of the (widened) A6 footway, Park campsite. This is another most steep Holly Lane to reach Whitewells Lane. it would be better to avoid the noise and attractive road which could be resurfaced Apart from this hill, Whitewells Lane is an traffi c. by agreement with the campsite. attractive option for a cycling route all the way through to Milford. However it includes 3 The existing track passes 3 or 4 chalets 4 Construct a new ramped link onto the crossing of the A517 Ashbourne Road, and at the bottom of this extensive campsite. bottom of the Cromford incline to join the 8 One such option would be to create also bypasses Belper, and so fails to create Public access would need to be formalised, road past the Information Centre. a roughly contour route through the a valuable route for everyday journeys south or perhaps a new link constructed level adjacent open fi elds. In order to minimise to Derby. 5 Follow the road to cross the Derwent on through the woods just to the north of the inconvenience to the farmer this should the canal aqueduct. This has wide paths camping area. 1 The only practical option from Ambergate have a short 20-30m “cut and cover tunnel” on both sides of the waterway and walkers to link up with Wyver Lane looks to be via to allow livestock and vehicles free access 4 Join Shining Cliff Woods forest track. are more numerous on the far side as this the riverside under the railway viaducts and to the otherwise cut off section of fi eld. provides access to the Pumping Station. 5 This track was constructed to link then along fi eld edges to the Lawn Farm 9 The alternative option is to drop back to the Alderwasley Hall and the mill which was accommodation bridge back under the riverside and work a path along the edge at the point where the campsite meets railway for a fi eld edge link to the lane.

December 2015 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 37 B19

Cromford to Ambergate and Belper Bridge

Reaching the riverside past “The Birches” will need to be carefully arranged. It is understood traffi c free and 1 that fi shermen are permitted across this way, access roads but for public use it would be another matter on road 2 requiring hedging, fencing and gates to ensure the privacy and convenience of the residents. It would defi nitely be preferable to construct a Direct link to High Peak Trail new path a little up the slope through a small 2 coppice to slope down to the corner of their 7 fi eld. 2 It may be best to follow the fi eld edge in a 3 10 fenced corridor, with double gates or cattle grids 4 8: Wyver Lane looking northwards to connect the fi elds, Possible, but less good, would be to negotiate a fenced off strip adjacent White Peak Loop to the riverbank. 5 High Peak Trail 11 3 The farm road under the two viaducts affords an 6 interesting view of the heroic achievement of the 8 railway builders. 0 1.0km 9 1 3

- Binding Margin - Margin - Binding 2 4

5 Way under main line railway at Ambergate 7 Follow the fi eld edge for a convenient 4 This is a most beautiful meadow lost away route south bypass the Lawn Cottage between the waves of the wooded hillside and complex. Following the railway puts 6 the river. Ideally the path would run fenced people into the Wyver Lane nature against the hillside, with its retaining bank of reserve which, by the river, is kept free 8 7 massive rock – or the whole fi eld could be of people for wildlife reasons. But as the allowed for public use. farming landowner is not supportive, it may be possible to agree a fenced 5 Run up the edge of the rough ground and fi eld off route along the northern edge of edge to reach the railway boundary. the reserve together with suitable 6 Follow the boundary to pass under Lawn Farm interpretive and educational notes about the reserve. Bridge. 3 8 Wyver Lane is another perfect section 9 1 of the Derwent Valley route. It is almost 2 4 level, it gives wide views over the valley and it has very little traffi c. It does 7 though need resurfacing over its whole 5 length. 6 9 Link to Belper Bridge for the Town Continues on inset map Accomodation bridge under the main line Centre and historic mills.

December 2015 B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 38

Belper Bridge to Duffi eld

Belper Bridge to Milford 5 The use of this bridge is vital if local people Milford Bridge to 7 Whilst there is no direct access to Duffi eld 1-9 1-7 (3.9 kms) are going to be able to access the cycle Duffi eld Station (2.3kms) main line station, there is a convenient route to avoid using the A6 main road. A underbridge which leads to Stiles Walk Here it is proposed to follow the existing way around the boundary of the sewage The best option would be to remain on which could be developed to access both footpath route to the south of the sewage works would be best for a good connection the west bank of the river if this can be the mainline and the Wirksworth Line works, and then to follow Chevin Road to the inland option for the route and Chevin negotiated, for a route which leads directly platforms. Note that the Wirksworth line through to Milford. If possible the riverside Road. into the Eyes Meadow playing fi elds and trains do carry bikes and the terminus is path would be continued under the railway station. Alternatively cross to the east bank near to the High Peak Trail thereby providing 6 Use the sewage works access route to bridge either to join Chevin Road opposite and then construct a new bridge back to the a convenient round trip. the redeveloped mills, or even more reach Chevin Road. If Severn Trent prefer playing fi elds. ambitiously, to bridge the river to the new the access road not to be used, a new track 1 Work out a route through the former development’s riverside path and make a could be created alongside. Chevin Road Riverside Garden Centre to reach the new bridge over the weir back to the Milford now runs a gently undulating course to riverside. Mill site which is soon to be redeveloped. Milford. 2 Note that this bridge across to the Mill The fi rst section of the existing path is a 7 If possible the route should continue Complex is currently closed, but should be well-defi ned track. along the riverside to provide an attractive riverside route for the Belper population and reopened to give access to the path. 1 This then becomes a fi eld edge route as far to extend the quality of the main Derwent 3 Continue downstream along the boundary as the cross roads farm access road. Cycleway. This passes under the mainline of the recreation ground and take care that 2 Over this strip fi eld the footpath is ill-defi ned railway. the overall route is integrated into access to and it might be best to construct something this area. 8 Ramp up to join Chevin Road just before the Road beside railway just south of Duffi eld along the riverside. The landowner would fi rst house. There is room on the west bank 4 Negotiate along the edge of the Moscow welcome this. of the river to connect from the open fi eld to Farm fi elds to pick up the railway lands. 3 Well defi ned fi eld edge path as far as the the sluice if the self-seeded sycamores are Alternatively cut inland by Moscow Farm to sewage works. felled. run along the fi eld edge of the Derby Road, - - Binding Margin and then the wide margin of land adjacent 4 Past the sewage works the path runs at 9 In the long term it may be possible to to the railway. a low level in a woodland strip. It might negotiate a riverside route so as to pass be better to run to the west of the works close to, and overlooking, the particularly 5 Along the riverside section it may be although this would leave the problem of spectacular weir at Milford. In addition the necessary to collaborate with Network Rail accessing the outfall works bridge for its new housing complex on the east bank on further fl ood and erosion defence works. invaluable connection to Belper. Severn needs to bridge over the river so this quite 6 Build to Recreation Ground and pick up the Trent are supportive of the access next to large development gains access to the existing access road, Donald Hawley Way. the river and are prepared to investigate riverside route north to Belper and Matlock. The speed humps need to be modifi ed for improvements to the bridge to make it safer Follow the road through to the Derby Road cyclists. for pedestrians and cyclists - even if only and arrange a straight over crossing to with a traffi c light control. the open space and former garden centre between the road and the river. (The owner of Milford Mills supports a route through their site and across the sluice on the mill leat.)

Bridge over the Derwent from Belper towards the sewage works

December 2015 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 39 B19

Overall route map from the Derwent Belper Bridge to Duffi eld Valley Project

1

2 3 5

4 - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding 6

7 8 9

2 4 1

3

traffi c free and 5 access roads on road 6 7

0 1.0km

December 2015 B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 40

Duffi eld Station to Derby Station - 9.0kms

The fi nal run into Derby follows the railway 3 Run along the fi eld edge for 1.4kms to reach 4 Provide a new river bridge if the space on 10 Follow existing cycling routes, with route closely until it reaches the A38 Abbey the riverside where one can pass under the the Network Rail Bridge cannot be made necessary improvements, to cross the river Hill. Then it picks up Derby City’s current railway. It would be slightly better to cross available on one side or the other. Note that on the former Northern Railway’s Handyside plans for a path across the river meadows to under the railway at Bullpit Lane, because using the east side might be best as this Bridge, and continue south to pass under connect in with the existing paths at Darley then one would have more sun on the path side does not appear to be used by their St. Mary’s Bridge and St. Alkmunds Way Park. (and less frost). works traffi c. If so cross back under the Bridge. This work could be tied in with railway once over the river. This could then planned fl ood defence works. 1 The existing rail side road, Donald Hawley be the start of a good link to Little Eaton. Way, to Church Drive is an interesting road 11 Past the Silk Mill Museum and other because it utilises “spare” railway land. 5 Follow the fi eld boundary and reconstruct buildings. Close care will be needed to This same idea could be used for most of the existing track. achieve a path of suffi cient width. the way to Abbey Hill, and in so doing would 6 At the pumping station it will be necessary 12 Provide a new ramp up to Derwent Street provide Network Rail with a very useful to utilise some of the railway’s wide “spare” and a crossing of this main road to reach lineside route which could be utilised by its land. Only 1m will be required as Severn the riverside frontage of the Council House. own staff and contractors. Trent would release 1m of their land on the This links to the Park Bikeworks, providing 2 The route could follow either side of the west side, and a triangle of land at their cycle parking and maintenance. south east corner to allow the route to fl ow railway, as there is spare space on both 13 The riverside path continues around Bass’s better. sides of the mainline under Makeney Road. Recreation Ground and links through to Looking south from Duffi eld Church footbridge The preferred route stays on the east side to showing the ‘spare’ railway land 7 Follow the Severn Trent access road south pass under Pride Parkway and the mainline access the church, and the existing track to to Ford Lane. railway. the open fi elds. 8 Follow the existing track under Abbey Hill. 14 The existing crossing to Calvert Street Make a good, ramped connection to join makes for a quiet route to the station the cycle tracks beside the main road for entrance, if not quite as direct as that along access to Little Eaton. Station Approach. There is also direct cycle - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin access to the station from the other side of 9 From the end of the track the City Council the tracks past Derby College. are planning a new path through to Haslams Lane.

Looking south from Duffi eld along the fi eld edge of the railway

December 2015 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 41 B19

Duffi eld Station to Derby Station - 9.0kms 1

0 1.0km 2

3 traffi c free and access roads 4 on road

6 5 7

9 8 - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding

10

NCN 68 to Ashbourne 11

12

13 Velodrome and Medlock Loop

14

December 2015 B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 42 - Binding Margin - - Binding Margin

December 2015 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 43 B19

Appendix 2: Schedule of current Derbyshire County Council programme - Binding Margin - Margin - Binding

December 2015 B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 44

                        

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December 2015 B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 46

                        

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December 2015 B19 National Cycleway in association with HS2: Preliminary Feasibility Study – B19 Links to the Peak District National Park | Page 48

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December 2015