This year marks 75 years of the Peak District National Park, a landscape that has shaped generations of riders, volunteers and local communities. As the UK’s first National Park, it continues to be a place where access, conservation and recreation come together, and Peak District MTB is proud to be part of that ongoing story.
Peak District MTB has always focused on preserving, improving and promoting mountain biking across the Park, while working closely with landowners, conservation organisations and local authorities. That collaborative approach has become central to how the group operates and how it contributes to the wider landscape.
2014: Peak District MTB’s Picnic Protest on Rushup Edge started our first of several successful campaigns protecting the Park’s iconic and historic character against inappropriate surfacing on right of ways.
Chair Greville Kelly said:
“Reaching 75 years is a huge milestone for the National Park. We are proud that mountain bikers are not just people who enjoy these trails, but people who actively help care for them, working alongside partners and landowners to protect and enhance the landscape for everyone.”
2020: Our volunteers work with a Peak Park ranger and in conjunction with Severn Trent Water to open Elmin Pits permissive bridleway as new access for mountain bikers.
That work is most visible out on the trails. Regular volunteer dig days bring riders together to repair erosion, improve drainage and keep routes sustainable through all seasons. Beyond trail work, volunteers also support conservation projects such as scrub clearance and habitat restoration, helping to protect the biodiversity that makes the Peak District so special.
2019: Peak District MTB volunteers working with a Peak Park ranger prepare for more maintenance and sensitive improvements of the Whinstone Lee Tor bridleway near Ladybower.
Peak District MTB has also played an important role in improving access. Campaigns like the 22% Campaign continue to push for a fairer and more inclusive rights of way network, while route development projects have helped create responsible and enjoyable riding experiences across the Park.
2018: Committee member Chris raffles off Millie the Sheep (The official Peak District National Park mascot!) bagging £1,700 towards the £74,000 total that MTBers helped raise for the Mend Our Mountains campaign on Cut Gate.
At its core, this is about partnership. By working together, Peak District MTB and its partners are showing how responsible riding and environmental care can go hand in hand.
2020: To help promote our trail maintenance work across the Peak and responsible MTB access, we produced printed leaflets, which we were very grateful to have funded and supported by the Peak District National Park Foundation.
As the National Park celebrates its 75th year, that shared commitment continues to look forward as much as it reflects on the past.
Happy Birthday Peak District National Park, from the Peak District MTB Committee
2024: Mountain bikers maintaining a permissive bridleway at The Roaches in conjunction with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. (Photo credit: P. Barrett)
2022: Working with a National Trust ranger to maintain the bridleway at Cranberry Clough near Slippery Stones and Howden reservoir.
(Top image: 2019: Peak District MTB volunteers working with a Peak Park ranger to maintain the bridleway around the back of Mam Tor near Edale.)