Buxton & Monsal Trail Woo Dale & Wye Dale Link
Planning Application to High Peak Borough Council September 2010
p e a k cycle l i n k s
For BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK
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Map showing showing the High High Peak, Peak,Monsal and Monsal Tissington and Trails Tissington with the proposed Trails links withto Buxton the and proposed Matlock Stations links to Buxton and Matlock Stations 7. Buxton East Section: Buxton 8. Woo Dale Section: Station to Redgap Lane Church Lane and 9b. Miller’s Dale to Note: Currently it is planned to work up each Woo Dale to Wyedale Headstone Tunnel of these sections in parallel, and to realise land agreements and to make planning applications 6. Buxton South carpark as progress on each self-contained section Section: Green dictates. It is hoped that the first works on the 10. Monsal Trail East Lane to Buxton ground will be in hand for public use in 2010 and Section: Headstone Tunnel Station that the whole project will be open in 2012, the to Coombs Road year of the Olympics.
5. Harpur Hill Section: 9a. Monsal Trail West Section: Green Lane to Wye Dale to Miller’s Dale off road route Harpur Hill
minor road route
4. Staker Hill Section: completed section Harpur Hill to Earl Sterndale Road unfinished section ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE ---
The Peak Trails Links Project – A summary 3. Earl Buxton to the High Peak Trail Sterndale 11. Haddon Tunnel Section: and to the Monsal Trail, and the Section: to Coombs Road to A6 bridge Monsal Trail to Matlock Street House 12. Derbyshire Farm Dales Section: A6 to The National Park has popular cycling routes Matlock Station along the Tissington and High Peak Railways as well as on the Monsal Trail near to Bakewell. But it has long been frustrated by their not connecting through to Buxton and Matlock Stations.
The links proposed here would overcome this 2. High Peak Trail and lay the foundation for the National Park to pursue a much more sustainable transport 13. Cromford and programme, one in which many visitors 1. Tissington Trail arrived by train and then used bicycles to Matlock Section explore the Park.
The map here does no more than show the line of the proposed route and highlight each section which is to be covered by a detailed report for discussion with landowners and authorities.
Based on Ordnance Survey Digital Data with permission of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office © Crown Copyright. Peak District Planning Authority Licence Number LA100005734
Page 1 ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- Plan showing the BuxtonStation and Miller’s Dalesection linking theMonsal Trail toBuxton Trail. to theheartofWyeDaleandstartsplendidMonsal park. From here theexistingroad toBlackwellCottagesleads small bridgeovertherivertoA6verge andtheWyeDalecar the hillsidetopassunderTopley PikeRailwayBridgeanda route downtotheRiverWye. Here anewpathisneededalong application. Woo Dale provides abeautifulandeasilygraded and thestartofworkcovered intheWoo Daleplanning Waterswallows Road.RedgapLaneleadsdowntoChurch Lane reach Victoria ParkRoadandresidential roads through to this andcross theA6at existingPelicancrossing to running besidetherailwaytoreach LightwoodRoad.Follow Starting from thestationthere isthebasisofagoodpath of theMonsalTrail toMillersDale. The planshowstheoverallschemetogetherwithfirstpart the trafficandapproaching Buxtonfrom anattractive direction. But nearbyWoo Daleoffers areal chanceofgettingawayfrom Following theconfinedcorridorofA6offers nowaythrough. the opencountryside. Park confidentthattheyhaveasafeandattractive route into public from Manchesterandelsewhere cancome by traintothe through toBuxton,particularlyBuxtonStationsothatthe the verybusyA6.SomehoworotherTrail hastobetaken then itcannotstopattheexistingsmallWyeDalecarparkon If themagnificentMonsal Trail istobeopenedupthroughout Introduction Buxton &MonsalTrail: Buxton Station Lightwood Road
Woo DaleLinks&Wye DaleLink A6 crossing Victoria ParkRoad Byway View lookingupWoo Dale Looking backthrough CleeTor Tunnel No.2 Common Fairfield Waterswallows Road BUXTON &MONSALTRAIL-WOODALEWYELINK:AUGUST2010 Redgap Lane Woo Dale A6 MainRoad Church Lane Park Authority) (Peak DistrictNational planning application Section covered by Preparing toabseilfrom EastBuxtonViaduct across river River Wyefrom A6.Thepathtorunatthebottomofhillside River Wye Council) (High PeakBorough planning application Section covered by Wye DaleCar Park
Blackwell Cottages Road Wye Viaduct Monsal Trail RailwayPath Rusher CuttingTunnel 112m CheeTor Bridge Millers DaleViaduct Start oftheMonsalTrail nearBlackmillCottages No. 287m Chee Tor Tunnel No.1368m East BuxtonViaduct
East BuxtonViaduct
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---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- Relay kerbs flush and high renew grip finish Shared use Shared pavement Move controls Move controls to face around on-coming public Cyclists dismount Build kerb out 1.5m and short provide length of safety railing flush kerb to road flush kerb to 2.0m wide path in material with Toptrec Link from end of byway to Waterswallows road end of byway to Waterswallows Link from Detail of approaching A6 crossing from Victoria Park Road Victoria from A6 crossing Detail of approaching
To To station link Re-set kerb to be flush over this entrance 2m Slope down to flush kerb 2m wide Build out 1.5m to give better visibility Sketch of link from end of Lightwood Road, towards A6 end of Lightwood Road, towards Sketch of link from View of Lightwood Road with proposed pavement build-out of Lightwood Road with proposed View
Reposition railway fence at the top of the bank behind selected trees Widen path to at least 2m BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 AUGUST LINK: DALE WYE & DALE - WOO TRAIL MONSAL & BUXTON Remove fence and clear all detritus from bank Widen link to Lightwood Road Existing household boundaries
View of byway past golf course looking towards Buxton of byway past golf course looking towards View In the longer term the ideal route would probably run through the run through would probably ideal route In the longer term the corridor within the development as a landscaped old sidings area the planned new distributor climbing the hill near before housing and any associated Plans for this road route. road for a high quality walking include provisions development should of the A6. crossing including and cycling route, made via the old path An additional link to the station could be of the Peak Plant and remains running beside the Buxton Water to the path is reopened Rail Station. This can be pursued if this public.
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shop of rail side path behind defunct loco repair View existing footpaths to Redgap Farm and the start of Church Lane. the start of Church existing footpaths to Redgap Farm and Ramblers could take a shorter route by following Lesser Lane and Ramblers could take a shorter route last possible moment. across the Common which makes for an excellent alternative the to across to the Road for those who want to stay off-road Waterswallows A6 at the existing Pelican lights; and a view of the Byway A6 at the existing Pelican lights; and a narrow section by the railway which needs widening; interesting by the railway which needs widening; interesting section narrow the of crossing bridges over Lightwood Road; sketch details which could be improved as the station is developed; its which could be improved The sketches and photographs show key points along the show key points along the The sketches and photographs station including – the existing path beside the route proposed see how well the overall route leads away from Buxton Station leads away from route see how well the overall roads. of lightly trafficked following a sequence application. However it is shown here so that the reader can so that the reader it is shown here application. However This section of the route linking the Monsal Trail to Buxton runs the Monsal Trail linking This section of the route Dale planning not part of the Woo and so is mostly along roads Buxton Station to Redgap Lane to Redgap Station Buxton
For For Information Information Page 3 Information For BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 only
Buxton Station to Redgap Lane
Asphalt the first 3m of byway to remove Warning signs as hazard at junction required by the County Council
Short link across Common to link to end of Byway Waterswallows Road
Add logos to road
Lightwood Road Byway and back path to Buxton Station Redgap Lane
Buxton Station ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE ---
Walking routes
Start of Woo Dale works
Link via Peak Rails Station area Church Lane
Minor road links to existing Pelican light across A6
Victoria Park Road Walking and cycling routes to Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park for link to Tissington Trail
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For BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010
only Information A Note on the assessment of options for linking the end of the Monsal Trail (Wye Dale Car Park) with Buxton and a note on the options for linking Rednap Lane with Buxton itself
1. Introduction 3. Options for linking the Monsal Trail 4b) The Woo Dale route only requires 350m of riverside path 5b) This option looks at producing a more direct route, from and the Dale itself offers as easy gradient throughout. It King Sterndale to Buxton, by following the Midshires way Although the Woo Dale route was put forward by local at Wyedale to Buxton Station feels much the most attractive option, and the landowner footpath to Cowdale. This is a most attractive and easily cyclists as the best way through from the Monsal Trail to March 2010-surveyed by foot and cycle (Tarmac) is supportive. This option has been reported on graded alignment if the landowners agreed. From Cowdale Buxton Station; before promoting it all conceivable options in detail. the route follows the edge of Cowdale Quarry (itself the were looked at, on the ground and in detail, to be sure The following notes outline the various options considered site of a current planning application) but would have to that the Woo Dale route could not be bettered or replaced. following initial suggestions by local cyclists that the Woo 4c) The Cowlow options are twofold. The first would follow divert from the current footpath route over Staden Lane Despite considerable effort, no practical alternatives to the Dale route looked as though it had excellent potential for a the riverside to the bottom of Woo Dale, as in the options because of its steep gradients. A better route would keep Woo Dale route were found. route to the Monsal Trail avoiding the A6. 4a and 4b, and then require the construction of a new to the edge of the quarry and then follow the field edges series of zig zags to climb the hill to Cowlow. Whilst this above the A6 as far as the caravan park and then cross 2. Definition of route sought Derbyshire County Council’s Greenway Strategy indicated results in an attractive route, this would inevitably be a the road to enter Buxton by the allotments. This route, if a route along the general alignment of the A6 so the steep climb, and the disruption to the SAC site would be it could be negotiated is fairly direct but suffers from the The Monsal Trail is largely level, it is traffic free and it runs search started here. considerable. The second option manages to stay outside need to negotiate and construct considerable lengths of through spectacular scenery. It is exactly the sort of route the SAC area but only by the means of excavating a major new path as well as the uncertainties of winning Network which is likely to make a memorable trip for a novice 1) The A6 itself is not a remotely suitable route for any zigzag ramp through rock down the side of Rocks Dale. Rail’s support at Topley Pike. cyclist and one which could enthuse them to cycle more. cyclists. It has a high proportion of heavy vehicles, This route runs within the active quarry area and is not including quarry lorries and it has no footway or verge supported by Tarmac, although in years to come, when all 5c) The southern route of the Pennine Bridleway does offer Maybe it is too much to ask that the route from the Wye quarrying in Tunstead is complete, it maybe possible to a good link across to the High Peak Trail but it involves a
which might be pressed into service. ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- Dale end of Blackwell Lane to Buxton is equally level, devise an easier route making use of operational quarries steep walk out of Wyedale, and the construction of the equally free of traffic and equally attractive. However the 2) The railway through the corridor remains in use for heavy roads. This option was also covered in a detailed report, whole of the proposed route from Buxton to Staker Hill. route should have the following characteristics. stone trains. Although the line has been singled, the which was discussed with Tarmac but without any success Even so, it is too circuitous by far to represent a viable remaining line has been realigned to ease the curves, in it being taken forward. route from the Monsal Trail to Buxton Station. i. Gradients: 1:15 is generally considered rather steep, moves from side to side of the original double track except over short distances, whereas 1:20 is a gradient formation, and through Ashwood Dale runs centrally to 4d) The Pennine Bridleway offers an agreed route out of the which is also suitable for people in wheelchairs – an avoid the retaining walls on the one side and the rock falls Wye Dale but it suffers from a combination of severe hills important user of all railway paths. on the other. There is no way through on Network Rail and heavy traffic which would exclude it from popular land. use by the general public. The climb out of Wye Dale is ii. Traffic: The route should be free of conflicts from traffic extremely steep and almost everyone would have to walk over its whole length - that is it should either be traffic free, 3) We looked at the land beside the road and concluded that it both when climbing and descending. But so also are the or on low flow, low speed roads (typically less than 1000 it would be all but impossible to construct a quality path hills either side of the Tunstead works, the worst of which vehicles per day and speeds less than 20mph) and all in this location. Although there are some sections where is also used by all the lorries servicing this major quarry crossings of major roads should be protected or bridged. there is some land, through Ashwood Dale the space is and cement works. This route could not meet any of the so constricted that the path would have to be built over requirements of the Project, except that of deliverability. iii. Barriers: The route should be free of unnecessary barriers the River Wye for some distance. Even if such a route and if possible free of any dismount barriers, since you was agreed it would suffer from the noise of traffic over 5) Route options south of Wyedale again include a number would not expect to find any of these on the public road its whole length, and numerous pinch points where heavy which we have investigated. They comprise ones via system. engineering would result in extortionate costs. It is not a King Sterndale and Harpur Hill, via King Sterndale and practical route. Cowdale, and the circuitous southern route of the Pennine iv. Surface: This should be hard and dry throughout the year Bridleway across to the High Peak Trail at Street House. and of a standard similar to a good country lane. Whilst an 4) Route options on the north side of Wye Dale looked View of Ashwood Dale showing the track centred and the unsealed surface can perform well on the level of a railway promising. There are 4 options which might be possible 5a) The King Sterndale Options require the support of Network extremely narrow space occupied by the river and the A6 alignment, a sealed surface will be required where steeper - Pictor Hall, Woo Dale, Cowlow options, and the Pennine Rail to remove their Topley Pike siding. This would enable gradients concentrate the run-off and would scour away Bridleway. the construction of a route ramping up from the Wye Dale any other surface, or where there is regular use of farm or car park onto the railway embankment and then across the other vehicles as an unsealed surface will rapidly pothole 4a) The Pictor Hall route would require a new path along the A6 on the Topley Pike Bridge beside the remaining single in these circumstances. north side of the river from Topley Pike Bridge to the Pictor track railway which remains on its original alignment here Hall Road, a distance of nearly 900 metres. The drive up on the north side of the formation. This runs as far as the v. Distance: A novice or family group will not be able to to Pictor Hall is steep and the road has footpath status site for a new ramp up to the steep road to King Sterndale travel very far in their day out. 20 miles would be a good only so agreements would be required. There did not which shows the vestiges of tarmac but would have to distance and as much as many people could manage look as though there was any practical way of easing the be walked. From here an attractive road leads to Harpur or would want to do. The Monsal Trail from Wyedale to steep gradient up to Pictor Hall, and following this route Hill. The A515 crossing would need to be resolved and the Monsal Head Viaduct and the Headstone Tunnel is just would be fairly intrusive on the property itself. In addition quarry road and remains of the old railway all pressed into over 5 miles, so the target route to Buxton Station would the riverside section of the route would require detailed service to avoid the main road to Harpur Hill itself. This ideally be much the same again to make a round trip of 20 agreements from Natural England and the Environment route option suffers from being rather too circuitous in that miles. Agency over its whole length. This does not look like a the way to Wye Dale would be a bit of an expedition in its viable option. own right.
Page 5 Information For BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 only Map showing options for routes from Wye Dale to Buxton
Buxton Station 4e
Monsal Table Comparing options for a good quality family cycling route 1 4d Trail from Buxton Station to the Monsal Trail in Wye Dale 2 4b Overall New Ownership Hills Quality Natural Practicality Suitability 4a km km England Interest
3 1. A6 main road 5.5 4.2 3 1 3 1 4 X 5b 4c 2. Operational railway 5.3 4.2 4 1 2 2 4 X
3. Through Ashwood Dale 5.5 4.0 3 1 3 3 4 X
4a. Pictor Hall 6.5 2.0 2 2 2 3 1 X 5a 4b. Woo Dale 6.2 2.9 1 1 1 3 1 •
4c. (i) Cowlow zigzag 7.0 1.8 1 1 1 3 2 •
4c (ii) Cowlow-Black Rocks 7.0 3.1 4 1 1 1 2 X
4d. Pennine Bridleway north 10.0 1.0 1 4 3 1 3 X
5a. King Sterndale and Harpur Hill 13.0 4.9 3 3 1 1 2 X
5c 5b. King Sterndale and Cowlow 6.5 4.8 4 3 1 1 3 X
5c. Pennine Bridleway South 21.0 1.0 1 3 2 1 3 X ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE ---
The table lists the distance of the overall route from Buxton Scale: Station to the Wyedale carpark, the length of new construction 1 good, practical, agreed or refurbishment of existing tracks, and raises the issues 2 possible of ownership/gradients/visual quality and the Environment 3 difficult Agency all on a scale of 1 (straight forward) to 4 (difficult). The 4 extreme problem practicality of delivering each route is summed up in the same way whilst the final column summaries whether or not the option can be considered at all for this crucial link from the Monsal Trail to Buxton.
The County Council’s Greenway Strategy
The County Council’s Greenway Strategy sets out a framework for With regards to equestrians it has proved effectively impossible to l negotiate a route along the field edge on the north side of the a network of good quality Greenways throughout the County. This construct a path of sufficient width to allow multiple use over the main road to Hardybarn proposal departs from the Council’s proposals in that the route narrow section beside the River Wye. Options for a bridle route proposed does not follow the A6 corridor shown in their document were reviewed and it was felt that if a route into Buxton is required l turn south to pick up Green Lane to the outskirts of Buxton nor does it provide for equestrians. The route can be seen as then a much more practical option would be as follows; complementing the Council’s strategy in that it will provide a high This would make a good route for equestrians although its two long quality route avoiding the A6, for walkers and cyclists, linking the l via the Pennine Bridleway route past Mosley Farm to Tunstead steep hills precluded it from being suitable for encouraging cyclists. Monsal Trail from Bakewell to Buxton Station. Its ambition is to make the overall project so attractive that it will become a popular l continue via the existing bridle path to Buxton Bridge over route for visiting the Peak District National Park as an alternative to the railway coming by car.
Page 6 ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- are an important aspect of any path. A number of examples from Greenway Paths are shown to give some idea of what might be some idea of what shown to give Paths are Greenway from A number of examples of any path. an important aspect are Seats look along and they should for using them, a good reason views so as to give memorable sited to provide should always be made. Seats itself. informal surveillance of the route to give they serve in order the route BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 AUGUST LINK: DALE WYE & DALE - WOO TRAIL MONSAL & BUXTON Repair walls as required Build up to path level with grass to fall away verge path where from possible 4. 5. Machine lay bitmac DBM 60mm thick with central camber 3. field fence should be rewired to give 2 smooth wires on the inside, 2 smooth wires to give rewired be field fence should Note: although ground is free draining into is free Note: although ground decisions to include soakaways limestone below, or other drainage to be taken on site as required.
Trim trees back to trunks trees Trim Clean off grass and soil Clean off 150 Add approximately where necessary where from track, clear down to from stone base a hard stone compacted to give sound shaped base 4m wide Sketch through Church Church Sketch through Lane looking up hill 6. 1. 2.
reed with Natural England, to allow equipment to pass. The bays to One or two passing bays for construction, at locations to be agreed This track to Woolow Farm is a permissive route which should not be over popularised as it passes through the farm itself. should not be over popularised as it passes through which Farm is a permissive route This track to Woolow The whole track through Woo Dale needs to be reconstructed as shown in the section on Map 2, with a sound stone surface, a as shown in the section on Map 2, with Dale needs to be reconstructed Woo The whole track through Link to Hardy Barn Lane is a useful bridleway route, which leads back to the river at Middle Farm. which leads back BarnLane is a useful bridleway route, Link to Hardy led with sound stone to ground level, completed and finished off with level, completed and finished off to ground filled with sound stone to be cleaned back to a stone base, Deeply rutted farm lane suitable for all farm traffic and an adjacent 1.2m wicket gate traffic and an adjacent 1.2m wicket gatewith grid suitable for all farm to include 3m wide heavy duty cattle Access arrangements Church Lane leads to Woolow Farm and the end of the track down Woo Dale. Although it has deep ruts which make it difficult to it has deep ruts which make it Dale. Although and the end of the track down Woo Farm Lane leads to Woolow Church Redknap Lane makes for an excellent cycling route into Buxton. cycling route Lane makes for an excellent Redknap bitumen layer to withstand agricultural vehicles and erosion, and finished with tar spray and brown chipping surface, all standing a and brown and finished with tar spray vehicles and erosion, bitumen layer to withstand agricultural dry at all times. This will be a permissive cycle route. drains the route levels so as to ensure of the adjacent ground little proud a bitumen surface, all 2.5m wide for farm vehicles. The adjacent 2.5m wide for farm vehicles. The adjacent a bitumen surface, all or as farmer requires. to be placed against bank here farm track or path surplus soil excavated from the public face. Note carefully arranged approaches so as to be suitable for wheelchairs. so as arranged approaches carefully cycle, the road has a sound stone base. Once the soil and detritus is cleared away then the stone base can be enhanced and a away then the stone base can be enhanced is cleared stone base. Once the soil and detritus has a sound cycle, the road for a permanent finish. bitumen surface laid be restored with turfs kept to one side for this purpose. with be restored
only 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. This and the following maps show the proposals in some detail in some the proposals maps show the following This and Woo Dale Map 1 Map Dale Woo
For For Information Information Page 7 Information For BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 only
1 Scale 1:2500 at A3 2 Woo Dale Map 1 0m 2
500m Photo 1 Photo 2 3 5 4 Photo 3 3
Photo 4
Upper passing 6 area to be restored
1000m 7 1. Redgap Lane 2. View of Church Lane ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE ---
Photo 5
3. Looking into Woo Dale from the junction with Woolow Farm Road 4. Looking down Woo Dale from near its top 5. Further down Woo Dale
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For BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 only Information Woo Dale Map 2
1. This lower section of Woo Dale is particularly striking. The farm track continues at an almost perfectly even gradient. The sides of the Dale get higher and higher and the overall effect makes for a worthy extension of the Monsal Trail itself.
2. This steep track has recently been designated a bridleway and is a useful, if arduous connection to Hardy Barn Lane 60m above the floor of the Dales.
2a. On the west side of the Dale another equally steep track goes up to Woolow Farm. This is a permissive route which could lead to Buxton but is not suitable for the main route on account of its steepness and intrusion into the farm.
3. This is the A6 to avoid, and the 400m of new path along the River Wye is critical to enabling pedestrians and cyclists to start out from Buxton, rather than drive to Wye Dale car park or elsewhere.
4. The path would now run past the pumping station to cut through the masonry wall with a cattle grid and wicket gate at the boundary. One coat of pea gravel chippings to give natural stone colour 6. View of Woo Dale looking up from A6 8. Sign warning of danger on A6 One course of machine laid bitmac 60mm thick and 2.5m No fences to be Exposed stone wide with central camber to give good base for agricultural Note erected so that equipment and to withstand cattle on path and water erosion livestock can wander to be covered The A6 is equally hazardous for pedestrians, cyclists and freely across the path with turf from All soil and grass to be cleared off line of path back to expose equestrians alike. At this stage it is not known how difficult it will and valley location carefully existing stone base. The soil to be placed at agreed locations kept for this and the base of the path made up in clean limestone be to make the path linking the foot of Wye Dale with Topley Pike purpose Bridge. Once the work is done it will be possible to assess if the Extent of existing area of grass sward below limestone
rich grasses on the side of the Dale path is wide enough to be used by horses as well as cyclists and ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- pedestrians.
2.5m width of surface
3.0m width of stone bases
4.0m width of construction area 7. View of the pumping station showing start of steep bridlepath on left going up to Hardy Barn Lane Sketch through section of path through Woo Dale
Note on construction of path through Woo Dale The contractor will operate within a 4m wide construction zone in order to build the 2.5m wide track and path (except at 2 passing points which will be restored after the works).
The contractor will remove all soil to expose the original stone base and load this into dumpers which will travel back along the line of the track to spoil heap locations outside the SAC on land agreed with the farmer.
One line of turfs will be set to one side to be used to make up the verges of the path at the end of the construction, so as to ensure that the grass naturally regenerates right up to the edge of the path surface.
The stone will be brought in the same way and compacted to give a strong smooth base. Similarly the dense bitmac surface will be brought down the length of the path with any damage to the already laid stone base repaired as the work proceeds. And then, as required, a surface dressing of brown gravel will be used to provide the finished surface.
Then the verge will be restored with the turfs, the whole site cleaned up, and finally any gates and fencing replaced. Note that it is not envisaged that the grass verges will be mown in any way but that they will be maintained by grazing livestock. Any grasses which fall across the edge of the path will be left to help to reduce any impact the path Picture showing the colour and texture of planed surface compared A good example of a wicket gate and grid either side of an open with that of tarmac farm crossing on the Radstock and Frome path. Note no provision might have. is made for works vehicles which have access from either end of the path. New farm gates should be of this type, 12 or 15ft wide, and position to the side of the path where needed
Page 9 Information For BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 only
Scale 1:2500 at A3 Woo Dale Map 2
1500m
1
Lower passing area to be restored
Sketch across Woo Dale showing the magnificent scale of the defile ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- 2a 2
Photo 7 Photo 6
2100m 2000m
Photo 8
3 4
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same time introduce a 10mph speed limit as this track will be same time introduce Large rocks to to rocks Large define edge of path Bank held by dry stone wall as required Section 2d: 50-75m. High above river, just above the general line of the ash trees just above the Section 2d: 50-75m. High above river, Proposed footbridge Widen existing path to 2.0m leaving grass verge beside A6 if required. Widen existing path to 2.0m leaving grass verge on west side of car park road. Paint 2.5m wide walking and cycling route train This existing bus lay-by should be used as the setting down and picking up point for the shuttle bus meeting the regular and reserved scheme Existing small car park has limited capacity (30) and should not be advertised in the Monsal Trail this local traffic. The only with bridleway status leads to Blackwell Mill Cottages, and has damage from This gravel access road The A6 climbs away up the hill. Over the next 50-70m the path follows the pipeline route largely above the line of trees. In all some 5 or 6 ash tress will need 5 or 6 ash tress In all some the line of trees. above largely route follows the pipeline 50-70m the path Over the next is no Although there gradually down to pass under the railway viaduct. slope is much easier and the path drops cross the Here is a there Pike Viaduct Topley Approaching some earthworks to level off. and will require tree path passes behind a large the Here this area. in of all trees the removal require Network Rail is plenty of room. Under the viaduct there the footbridge over the river. works approaching Finally the path is built into the drystone the land on the A6 side where of the railway bridge, set at a skew to the river just downstream footbridge would cross The proposed service to Buxton. This will be needed for walkers to reach the Monsal Trail the more easily. Ideally this bus would also be equipped easily. the more the Monsal Trail service to Buxton. This will be needed for walkers to reach is a little far for them. For Dale route and for those less able who might feel that the Woo with a trailer for cyclists, for family groups the shuttle bus turned via the quarry road. before around the return trip passengers would be also picked up here for local people. solution in the long term is to construct a sealed surface and at the is opened. heavily used by walkers and cyclists once the Monsal Trail to be removed. level to pass over the top of the railway it would be prudent to include a 300 diameter pipe under the fill as it crosses sign of run off boundary wall. is no sign although there pipe as a precaution which should be filled with any material and drained with a 300mm dip in the ground at this point. of run off widens to 3m. verge 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 2d. 2e. 3a. 3b. 3c. 4. A6 A6 BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 AUGUST LINK: DALE WYE & DALE - WOO TRAIL MONSAL & BUXTON Scale 2m River Wye level in flood and this needs to be enlarged by a little excavation on the one and this needs to be enlarged the River Wye will not be affected in any way. The limited in any way. the River Wye will not be affected within a narrow corridor marked out before construction corridor marked out before within a narrow d details. Balustrade as agreed Scale 4m Soft ground excavated, replaced with stone and path level 2.5m Edge of path held in place by stones or rocks line of large Section 2a: 100m approx. Path set well away from river and cut into gentle slope from Path set well away Section 2a: 100m approx. Section 2b: 50m approx. Path built level with the ground Path built level Section 2b: 50m approx.
metre to give space metre Existing excavated cut back another rock
t of the hillside for Tarmac’s 150mm pipe. This gradually climbs to a 150mm pipe. This gradually climbs to of the bench cut out of the hillside for Tarmac’s Over this section the path follows the line level with the ground, close to the edge of the highest flood area, in close to the edge of the highest flood area, path needs to be built level with the ground, For a short section up to 50m length the for the works access, but finally for a 1.2m wide self closing w but finally for a 1.2m wide self closingicket for the works access, in the boundary wall, 2.4m wide, initially Make a neat opening area on the flood plain in length, is set well back, and above 100m the path, parallel to the Wye approximately The first section of There used to be a track to the pumping station, now only marked by a line of derelict fence posts which should be removed. should be removed. fence posts which derelict marked by a line of station, now only track to the pumping used to be a There level of about 5m above river level. The bench was about 1.5m wide The pipe will generally be 200mm below the path surface. “coping” stones on the other. side and a line of large order that it avoids difficult steep ground and losing trees. The construction should allow for the very rare inundation. rare The construction should allow for the very and losing trees. it avoids difficult steep ground that order side long ground as shown in the sketch. as shown side long ground on its uphill side. cycling cattle grid as shown in the standar gate and a 1.0m wide Construct the path along the line of this track, and just before the pumping station, near to the north and pass the pumping station and pass the pumping near to the north the pumping station, just before line of this track, and the path along the Construct amount of material excavated along the route will be reused within this section as fill on the bank shown in 2a, and to fill the small will be reused amount of material excavated along the route arising used in the dry stone walling .The footbridge will be craned in the railway embankment with any rock gulley approaching the A6. from Note on construction method along Wye Dale The construction will be carried out by hand and small equipment commences. The work will be all above the 100 year flood level and Section 2c. Short section rising up from river Section 2c. Short section rising up from
2c. 2b. 2a. 1b.
1a. Woo Dale Map 3 Map Dale Woo Road Mill Cottages and the Blackwell Dale Woo Wye between the River connection beside The key
Application For For Planning Planning Page 11 Planning ApplicationFor BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010
9. View looking downstream from opposite pumping 10. Note 2b showing high vegetation in summer 11. Note 2d showing the area the path follows just 12. View across river at 2e showing new path built 2m 13. View under Topley Pike Bridge. The path would go station with the river running high. The path would run above the trees above water beside the abutment and then cross the river just at at the foot of the slope to the left of the picture. the right of the picture
Scale 1:2500 at A3 Woo Dale Map 3 Bridleway Scale (at A3) 1:2500
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Photo 9 Photo 13 x Detail below Photo 12 1a 2c Photo 14 ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- 1b 2a 2b 7 8 5 6
Plan showing link beside A6: 120m long 14. View beside A6 at site of end of bridge Existing parapet wall may require North abutment a safety rail at a on reconstructed higher level over masonry reinforced this section with concrete Link to Wye Dale car park
Topley Pike Railway Viaduct over 5m Path varies from 2m at y e @ 1:500 scale r W approach R i v e to bridge to 2.5m
A D 15. View of lay-by on A6. River Wye is to left of R O I N picture. The existing path is to be widened to take M A Bus lay-by A 6 the Monsal Trail leading from the car park in the South abutment distance to the footbridge location just behind the Photo 15 on concrete slab Crash barriers set 600 photographer foundation back from kerb Page 12 ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE ---
A6 Grass verge Crash barrier runs for 40m from Pike Topley Bridge to start of bus lay-by 0.5m * Water level on the same day the water water level on the same day the * Water Dale Bridge was 1.1m below Woo Balustrade as required by highway authority 600 Parapet railings run for to start 10m of bus lay-by New path 2.0m wide ramps New path 2.0m wall level up to top of fill and a short compacted behind length of stonework crash barrier
Concrete slab footing built into wall and extending as far as required by engineer 1.8m between1.8m balustrade rails over a distance of 10m 2.0m* 1.25m 1000 Deck of bridge level with top of existing wall Bridge beam only show for clarity Sketch through path at end of Sketch through bridge proposed Repair and re point Repair and re existing masonry wall 100 year100 flood level Normal water level 3. River Wye 100 year100 flood level Bridge slopes up and at 1:20 is set at acute skew 15m span bridge set on skew. Bridge to be of set on skew. 15m span bridge deck to allow the in order a lattice construction headroom for maximum on the bottom chord over River Wye Stonework near river is left untouched Reconstruct existing rough stonework to give Reconstruct existing rough abutment for footbridge a secure 1.0m 1.33m
Construct short length of dry stone Construct short length at end of bridge rockfill wall to retain BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 AUGUST LINK: DALE WYE & DALE - WOO TRAIL MONSAL & BUXTON View of Wye Bridge of Wye Bridge View looking downstream 2. View of footbridge of this type showing widths Sketch beside A6 showing path to Wye Dale Car Park Trees under Trees viaduct to be by removed Network Rail
4. 2 - 2.5m Topley Pike Topley above Viaduct the slope down to the footbridge should not the slope down to the footbridge should not Widen existing path to 2.5m with grass verge make a path. Note exceed 1:20 Level space next to bridge abutment to a balustrade over a short section Low wall may need Sketch under Topley Pike Viaduct showing Viaduct Pike Topley Sketch under available space generous
View of riverbank and stonework at bridge site with approximate of riverbank and stonework at bridge site with approximate View position of new bridge
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approaches and bridge of river Details
Application For For Planning Planning Page 13 ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- View ofcuttingfrom topoframp 2. 1. The startoftheMonsalTrail View ofaccessroad toBlackwellMillCottages to makethebenchagainsthillsideasrampslopesdownroad. Onetree willbelost. excavated downtotheoriginalrock, andevenmore ifthistrimmedalittle.Thesurplusmaterialfrom theexcavationwouldbeused as soonpossibleatthewestendofcutting.Itmayevenbetoextendthisbackabitoncematerialhasbeen A newrampisrequired from theroad inorder togiveeasyaccesstheMonsalTrail. Thesolutionistocommencetheslope The MonsalTrail accessroad runsbesidetheRiverWyefor1.0km.Itisamostattractivepartofroute initsownright. picnic stopasithasgoodviewsbutwillnotobstructthepath. as afeature alongtheroute. Itsdeckcouldbeusedasagoodplacefor View ofviaductwhichbelongstothePark,butisnowprincipallyvaluable View ofthebottomrampfrom theaccessroad BUXTON &MONSALTRAIL-WOODALEWYELINK:AUGUST2010 4. 2. 1. Blackwell MillRoad from MonsalTrail to proposed route down Sections through road atgradientof1:20 of thehillasshown.Rundownto of filltomakeawedgeagainsttheside at gradientof1:20 through theembankment rock baseofthelastcutting by excavatingdowntothe The lowestsectionoftherampconsists Continue tocutdown Commence thenewramp Blackwell MillBridge 2.5m widepath tree inthisarea Lose onemature 3m 3. steps existing flightsof material besidethe through moundof Continue cutting h =0-3m Page 14 ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- No WindowNo The assessment concludes that there will be no significant that there The assessment concludes detrimental effects to the sites which are designated for which are to the sites detrimental effects (Peak District Dales SAC) their ecological importance and that the integrity of their SSSI and The Wye Valley intact. will remain qualifying features
01 Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map from Reproduced data Ordnance Survey 52638A00 AL licence: under copied Copyright Crown © In conclusion, the development will result in limited losses will result In conclusion, the development of mainly hard-surfaced and semi-improved habitats semi-improved and of mainly hard-surfaced within the wider and common widespread which are to be diverse habitats are more Where environment. and enhancements losses will be minimised affected, will seek to prevent possible. Mitigation installed where the throughout on species present any adverse effect and maintain populations in a favourable cycle route that such conservation status, and it is recommended condition of the planning by secured are proposals for requirement consent. A condition pertaining to the the protective an Ecological Management Plan detailing and ongoing enhancements as mitigation measures by should also be secured well as monitoring protocols condition. Conclusion
BUXTON & MONSAL TRAIL - WOO DALE & WYE DALE LINK: AUGUST 2010 AUGUST LINK: DALE WYE & DALE - WOO TRAIL MONSAL & BUXTON Important flower-rich, butterbur or calcareous communities calcareous or butterbur flower-rich, Important removed, it will be grassland is to be flower-rich Where will be stabilisation, efforts require outcrops rocky Where Habitats in the wider environment comprise a mosaic of environment Habitats in the wider paths and tracks existing follows route cycle proposed The planting following works, seed harvesting would also be A method statement for these works will be considered. with Natural England prior to works. compiled and agreed adjacent to the route will be marked out (and fenced where will be marked out (and fenced where adjacent to the route to enable construction works to minimise appropriate) In addition, important habitat land take of these areas. woodland will also be marked by fencing through areas construction machinery or to prevent appropriate where Where areas. equipment being placed in these sensitive of low on site, areas to be stored equipment is required botanical diversity will be used. adjacent to the track. Once as turves and stored removed the grassland will be replaced the track is reconstructed, the habitat as far as possible. to retain aiming as the verge to enable Seed harvesting would also be considered communities where representative of the re-creation appropriate. made to minimise the extent of disturbance to bryophytes of anchors in areas and alpine vegetation placing rock the majority of the least vegetation coverage. Where face will be unavoidably vegetation covering the rock prior to works an ecologist will survey the area affected, all important plants for storage and re- and remove semi-improved, improved and unimproved grassland, grassland, and unimproved improved semi-improved, woodland and scrub. Of particular tall ruderal vegetation, which grassland communities the calcareous are interest woodland which is Dale valley and the the Woo surround listed as an Annex I Wye. Both are adjacent to the River Conservation of Area Special of The Wye Valley features (SAC). to minimise impacts on the surrounding possible where footprint of the hard-standing The current ecology. be the limit of trail along the disused railway track will to minimise construction activities along this section habitat loss and disturbance. Minimising Habitat & Botanical Minimising Habitat & Botanical Species Loss Minimising habitat loss
Summary and recommendations of Ecological, Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments prepared for this Planning Application Planning for this prepared Impact Assessments Visual and Landscape of Ecological, and recommendations Summary Appendix: Summary of Ecological of Ecological Summary Impact Assessment The Monsal Trail, Cowlow and Woo Dale route options are options are Dale route Cowlow and Woo The Monsal Trail, The principal issues are as follows: The principal issues are In summary, the scope of the ecological assessment: the scope of the ecological In summary, Field surveys were undertaken between April and June Field surveys were An Ecological Impact Assessment of the Monsal Trail Assessment of the Monsal Trail An Ecological Impact Indirect disturbance effects, i.e. the displacement of disturbance effects, Indirect public recreation. of increased The effect Direct habitat loss due to land take by the cycle track Direct Describes mitigation of adverse effects within or adjacent Describes mitigation of adverse effects taking into account the above residual effects Identifies Identifies any rare, notable or protected species or habitats or species protected or notable rare, any Identifies on valued receptors Considers the potential for effects Identifies statutory designated areas within or adjacent to Identifies statutory designated areas mesotrophic grassland. mesotrophic the operational phase of the cycle route; and the operational phase of the cycle route; Where to existing tracks, paths or roads. mainly restricted the habitat comprises semi-improved no tracks, are there within the Peak District Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Conservation of Area Special District Peak the within (SSSI); Site of Special Scientific Interest and Wye Valley species as a consequence of construction work, or due to to the site; and assessment. within or adjacent to the site; the Development (including Natura 2000 Sites) arising from within and adjacent to the site; surveyed for. the site; 2010 and comprised ‘extended’ Phase 1 Habitat Survey of 2010 and comprised ‘extended’ Phase and National Vegetation cycle route the whole proposed Water route. Woo Dale Classification (NVC) surveys of the also bullhead and white-clawed crayfish were vole, otter, Cycle Route was undertaken by Andrew McCarthy by Andrew Cycle Route was undertaken This assessment included the Associates in July 2010. Dale Car Dale linking to Wye Woo running through route is a summary of this assessment, a Park. The following Dale within the Woo is contained full version of this report Statement Environmental to Wye Dale Cycle Link Field Survey
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Page ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- Reproduced from ofOrdnance onbehalfof theOrdnance maps withthepermission Survey Survey O ce.The Crown Controller Stationery copyright. ofHerMajesty's Arup licence number100039628 BUXTON &MONSALTRAIL-WOODALEWYELINK:AUGUST2010 OC4) (Policies Countryside GD4,OC1, GD6,OC3,OC4,BC1) SpecialLandscapeArea (Policies Natural Zone (Policy LC1) PeakHigh Borough Council Policies. Recreation Zone (Policy LR1) Ancient (Replanted) Woodland Peak National Park District Policies. Listed Building. Ancient Scheduled Monument. Proposed Cycle LinkRoute National LandscapeDesignations: KEY Peak National Park. District FOR APPROVAL 1:10,000 @ A3 (PDNPA &HPBC) Local Policies Landscape Designationsand FIGURE 2- CYCLE LINK WOO DALE TO WYEDALE PEAK CYCLELINKS 00 Page
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Summary of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
A Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment of the proposed A new section of path linking the bottom of Woo Dale to Conclusion Woo Dale to Wye Dale cycle route was undertaken by Wye Dale Car Park formed at the base of the Dale slope Arup in August 2010. Pre-application discussions were would be constructed on a low berm; in places this would In conclusion, the proposed cycle path will result in undertaken with the Planning Authorities, Natural England cut into the slope to form a level area. It is considered a negligible landscape impact as it is considered the and the Environment Agency to present and discuss the that due to the proposed low level of this construction, proposals are in keeping with the existing landscape project. The following is a summary of this assessment; distance from nearest visual receptors on the A6 (Bakewell character and will generally improve the existing condition the full version is contained within the Woo Dale to Wye Road) and short length that there would be minimal of the Public Rights of Way forming the majority of Dale Cycle Link Environmental Statement. change to the landscape character. Existing vegetation the route. The addition of a new path link between cover would also provide consistent low level screening. the bottom of Woo Dale to Wye Dale Car Park, whilst The principle issues are: appearing as a new built element within the landscape A small cycle/pedestrian footbridge would be constructed will quickly integrate with the setting; providing better • Part of the route (Woo Dale) sits within the Peak District across the River Wye adjacent to the existing rail viaduct opportunities to experience the Dale landscape. The National Park; this is the highest landscape designation in west of Wye Dale car park. This is located at a natural assessment concludes that there will be no significant the UK and confers special protection upon land within it crossing point of the river where the channel narrows. detrimental effects to the sites that are designated for their because of its landscape quality. Repairs to the existing canalised river walls would be landscape importance (Peak District National Park, Special undertaken to form the bridge abutments with some Landscape Area and Natural Zone). • The route sits within a landscape designated locally as vegetation clearance required to form the route. It is a Special Landscape Area and a Natural Zone. Both considered this discreet structure would have minimal ---- BIND ALONG THIS EDGE --- designations recognise the importance of conserving the visual impact and would be compatible with the existing natural beauty of these areas. character of this section of the route.
Introduction and visibility of new built form. • Mitigating Landscape & • The choice and visual appearance of new materials. Visual Impacts In order to minimise the potential landscape impacts of the The potential impact on the landscape character of Woo • scheme, the following mitigation measures are proposed: Dale and Wye Dale. Construction width of development minimised to a nominal The potential impact of construction operations. • • 4m to reduce visual impact of the works. Designated passing places will be operated to avoid unnecessary The effect of increased public recreation during the • vehicular overrun. operational stage. • Small scale plant used to ensure minimal construction View from the end of Church Lane looking down Woo Dale Minimising Impact on width and reduce visual impact of construction operations. This will also allow the route through Woo Dale to be Landscape Character maintained open during construction. The majority (4/5) of the 2450m route runs along existing formed tracks designated as Public Rights of Way. At • No materials to be stockpiled within construction area, present these tracks are heavily rutted and within Woo materials will be brought onto site as required to allow a Dale itself these meander uncontrolled across the base rolling construction programme. of the Dale. It is considered the rationalisation of these tracks into a single all weather track would have a • Verges will be reformed using existing turf stripped from minimal impact on the landscape character of the Dale. It construction alignment to speed up establishment and would also provide an opportunity to better access this visual integration of the track. landscape for recreational users, further promoting the aims of the National Park. • Natural and locally sourced stone chippings to form path surface dressing, referencing the natural stone walling forming adjacent field boundaries, to better integrate the proposals into the landscape setting.
• Any vegetation or trees lost due to the alignment of the path will be compensated at the nearest practical location within the scheme.
Looking across from the A6 to where path would be hidden by summer vegetation
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