Peaks & Puddles
The A5004 Long Hill between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, one of the Peak District’s most spectacular roads, is closed for up to five months for major works to fix a landslip. With concrete barriers blocking the through route for motor vehicles, could this be Derbyshire’s next unintended “Snake Pass”-style cycling event? Yes: you can absolutely bet it will be.
Stockport Council has begun work on its most south-easterly Bee Network walking and cycling project. Originally announced towards the end of 2018, the “Hazel Grove Links” scheme seeks to modestly improve existing links with path widening, a crossing and filter points.
One of the three-stand cycle racks at Tesco’s High Peak Whaley Bridge superstore recently disappeared, replaced by a random electrical cabinet, halving the store’s already lacklustre cycle parking overnight and just a few years after it was put back to normal.
If you’d hoped to join everyone else taking a spin on the Peak District’s most epic new traffic-free greenway, it appears you’ve missed your chance. As of today, the Snake Pass has reopened to motor traffic with what Derbyshire County Council laughably calls a “safety first approach”. But has this month of tranquility proved the case for regular, or even very occasional, advertised, motor-free days on Peak District roads?
Lyme has confirmed all its National Trust parkland will soon be open to access into the evening, for the first time in over two years.
Stockport Council has caused dismay amongst cycling and accessibility advocates with a draft “access controls policy” for its off road paths which seeks to retain wiggle room to continue installing discriminatory barriers — against both government guidance and equality legislation.
Sustrans and Tameside Council have presented plans for the Trans Pennine Trail to follow a brand new route between Godley and Hattersley, finally cutting out the completely unsuitable A560 Mottram Old Road.
Ready for another whole year of adventures by bike in and around the western edges of the Peak District? Whether it’s Derbyshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester or all three, there are still so many cycling highlights ahead yet to be featured. But if you’re looking for fresh inspiration for your 2022 cycle heat map, let’s start here.
Over ten years on from its surfacing in asphalt (tarmac), the Peak Forest Canal towpath between New Mills and Whaley Bridge is crumbling. Now Derbyshire County Council have agreed — and are looking into a patching job.
Earlier this month Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council revealed its Market Place and Underbanks Access Plan, with consultation ending this weekend. Permanent and timed closures of these tiny streets, new cycle links and more pedestrianisation could give this remarkable area another huge boost.