Where Things Stand Right Now

Here is the summary on the legal process of this DMMO (Definitive Map Modification Order):

The Turnaround: Staffordshire County Council originally refused the application by the Staffordshire Moorlands Bridleways Group (SMBG). SMBG successfully appealed to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), and the Inspector ordered the council to make the bridleway order.

The Objections: The council published the order, but four formal objections were lodged by local landowners within the 42-day window.

The Next Step: The case has now moved into the Schedule 15 stage and is back with the Inspectorate.

We are currently waiting to hear how PINS will proceed. To challenge the Inspector’s original ruling at this point, the objectors face a high legal bar – they effectively have to prove malpractice or a massive error of judgment by the Inspectorate.

What Riders Need to Do

On the ground: The route remains legally recorded as a public footpath for now. Permissive cycle access remains revoked, and altercations still happen – please continue to avoid the footpath section and use alternative routes.

Got evidence of past use? No new evidence can be submitted right now, but if you regularly rode or rode/walked this route prior to 2019 (especially going back to the 1990s or earlier), we want to get your details logged now in case SMBG needs user statements later.

If you have evidence of long-term use, email info@peakdistrictmtb.org with your name, address, phone number, and the exact years you used the route.

“Getting a DMMO to this stage takes years of patient research and persistence behind the scenes. We’re really proud of the team’s hard work in keeping this link alive, and we’re determined to see it through to the end.” Josie Shepherd, Staffordshire Moorlands Bridleways Group

Huge thanks to Josie and the SMBG team for driving this long campaign. We’ll share the Inspectorate’s next move as soon as we have it.

Further reading

Update on Paddock Farm access issues near the Roaches ( 4 / 2024 )

Paddock Farm access issues near the Roaches ( 10 / 2019 )

Where can mountain bikes be ridden? – Peak District MTB’s guidance on off-road rights

The post The Paddock Farm DMMO – 8/26 Update appeared first on Peak District MTB.

“CRoW failed cyclists and equestrians as we remain excluded from areas declared as ‘Open Access’ under the act unless Public or Permissive Rights of Way exist,” explains Nick. “But LAFs have a specific role in promoting and improving access for all user groups. This is where we come in.”

We are now represented on the newly reinstated Sheffield LAF, and the Peak District LAF, and are in close contact with mountain bike representatives on Barnsley LAF. This has already proven useful in introducing us to other organisations whom we can work with and bring influence from a mountain bikers’ perspective. Most recently by opening up funding opportunities with the Peak District Foundation.

It will also support our continuing work on Project 22% as we need to advocate for increased resources within the Public Rights of Way teams that are part of the process for dedicating or upgrading rights of way.

How can you help?
Nick explains, “Our committee is stretched quite thinly and there are a number of LAFs which cover parts of the Peak District where we don’t have a voice. So if you are in any of the following Local Authorities, or just ride there, and have an interest in joining please let us know and we can discuss.”

The authorities we are seeking representation on are:

• Derbyshire County Council
• Staffordshire County Council
• Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council
• Cheshire East Council
• Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

“We’ve done well with our work so far on the LAF,” reflects Nick. “Get involved and help us do more.”

If you are interested please drop us an email via info@peakdistrictmtb.org

The post Local Access Forums – Why should we care? appeared first on Peak District MTB.

Join us on Thursday, 25th June as we work on the classic bridleway below Derwent Edge, heading down to Cutthroat Bridge.

We’ll meet at the Cutthroat Bridge layby on the A57 at 10am and finish up by 2pm.
Here’s the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/brSitMJdym8ZEC9N6

Trail days are a great way to meet people and try trail maintenance— everyone is welcome.
Whether you’re a biker, runner, hiker, horse rider, or have never picked up a shovel before, you’re welcome to join us and earn some trail karma.
No experience needed.
We’ll be at the dig site from about 10:20am to 1:30pm. Please bring warm clothes, plenty of snacks, and something to drink.
We’ll provide all the training, tips, and tools you need for a safe and productive day.
Feel free to stop by during your ride and join us on the trail. Just let us know if you’re coming so we can bring enough tools. Experience and strength help, but they aren’t required to volunteer.

We’ll mainly be doing:
Digging drainage channels with spades and mattocks
Reshaping some lines

If you have any questions, just message me or email james@peakdistrictmtb.org.

POSTPONED DUE TO HOT WEATHER

Additionally, we have a further dig day scheduled near Mam Tor in July; Thursday 30/7/2026. These and future dates are listed on this page: https://peakdistrictmtb.org/event/trail-maintenance-days/

The post Next Dig Day at Whinstone Lee Tor [POSTPONED] appeared first on Peak District MTB.

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.)

The post Peak District MTB Celebrates 75 Years of the National Park appeared first on Peak District MTB.

We will be meeting at the bus stop/layby at 9:30am, see https://maps.app.goo.gl/YugihtMKuHWFJghn9

Car parking is available in the Mam Tor car park. If you are not a NT member let us know and we can arrange a car park permit for the day. https://maps.app.goo.gl/4V5jke4vUGhQL1Tw8

If travelling by bike or arriving later just wander along the bridleway towards Hollins Cross and you will find us.

Tools will be provided by the Rangers but feel free to bring your favourite mattock or spade! Also bring a packed lunch, plenty to drink and be prepared for inclement weather.

The Rangers need to know numbers as they need to maintain a ratio of volunteers to staff so please let us know if you are coming by emailing us at info@peakdistrictmtb.org

If you can’t make it along to any of the dig days, but want to support the work, then please consider donating to Peak District MTB.

The post Next Hope Valley Dig Day – Mam Tor 30/4/26 appeared first on Peak District MTB.

Meeting at a layby on the A57, at 10am. Then loading up into a few. vehicles to drive to a STW private parking area close to the digging site.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DoSZ1YmDMfBuM6mR6

We should be at the dig site between 10:20 and 2pm. It is recommended to bring warm clothes, plenty of snacks and a drink. All necessary training and tools are provided to ensure a safe and productive day. You could also join us on a ride and stop by for a while. Let us know you are coming, and we will bring enough tools. Experience and muscles are useful, but they are not a prerequisite for would-be volunteers.

The work will mainly involve:

• Digging drainage channels with spades and mattocks.
• Reshaping some lines.
• Clearing some vegetation.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me or email me james@peakdistrictmtb.org

Background information on Elmin Pits. https://peakdistrictmtb.org/new-mtb-access-elmin-pits-trail-open/

If you can’t make it along to any of the dig days, but want to support the work, then please consider donating to Peak District MTB.

https://peakdistrictmtb.org/event/trail-maintenance-days/

The post Next Hope Valley Dig Day – Elmin Pits 26/3/26 appeared first on Peak District MTB.

At Peak District MTB’s 2025 AGM, held in January at the Adventure Hub in Bamford, members conducted the formal election of officers to the Committee for the coming year: Greville Kelly (Chair), Dave Finch (Secretary), and James Irwin (Treasurer). This set the foundation for the session’s reports, constitutional update, and a look ahead to 2026. To view the 2025 AGM slide deck click here.

The committee welcomed new committee members Rick Minshill, Richard Moore and Ned Vardey bring additional capacity and coverage across the Peak District for the committee (see map below highlighting committee membership coverage for 2026).

Agenda at a glance

The AGM covered: welcome and elections; financial report; amendment to the constitution; Chair’s review of 2025; and an “Onwards into 2026” section featuring: Peak Enduro (Kev Smith), a Dig Days update, and new trail access work. The evening wrapped up with a photo competition, raffle and Q&A.

Treasurer’s report

Reporting period: 17/12/2024 – 29/01/2026

• Income (+£281.15) from: AGM cash sales (£136.00); PayPal donations payout (£59.15); T‑shirts & mudguard sales via Bike Garage (£86.00).
• Outgoings (–£300.96) including: 2023–24 AGM costs & drinks licence (£96.87); annual email service (2 years, £62.50); website hosting (£126.00); domain renewals (£15.59).
• Closing balance: £2,510.44.

The Treasurer noted a prudent cost base across comms and web services, and modest but healthy community‑led income from sales and donations.

Secretary’s report

Volunteer effort: 281 volunteer hours delivered across 12 days in 2025, including 169 hours on representation/meetings, 100 hours at The Roaches, and 12 hours around the Hope Valley. The year’s “essence” was “try and try again”, reflecting persistence with partners including National Trust, Severn Trent Water, Forestry England, and Government. Online reach passed 1,000,000 views across channels; committee meetings ran steadily; and Project 22% remained a running theme.

Amendment to the constitution

Members approved a governance change to increase the maximum size of the Committee from 12 to 15 members, retaining the requirement for core officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary) and the ability to co‑opt members as needed.

Chair’s review of 2025

Committee highlights
The Committee met eight times (mix of online and in‑person), expanded numbers and broadened geographical representation, strengthening coverage across the Peak.

Access & trail advocacy – key areas of work

• Old Hall Farm engagement and support.
• Active lobbying for completion of the Upper Don Trail at Langsett.
• DMMOs (Definitive Map Modification Orders): A Freedom of Information request secured access to the full dataset, improving PDMTB’s ability to prioritise and evidence access cases.
• Ramsden Road (Holmfirth): Noted the removal of concrete blocks restricting access.
• Derwent / Ladybower focus: Lockerbrook, Moscar, and Alport Castles corridors remained a priority; Mam Nick MTB Descent progressed with National Trust in the lead.

Above: Peak District MTB Volunteers investing time in trail maintenance work for the benefit of all trail users (walkers, cyclists and horse riders)

Maintenance & Dig Days

• Four Roaches Dig Days (Feb / Mar / May / Jul): drystone wall repairs, drainage restoration, and wider bridleway enhancements.
• Dig Day Leader sign‑offs for Nick and Rick and planning into 2026.
• Trash Free Trails – The Bike Garage in Bamford becoming a community hub joining the Global Network to support the mission of the Trash Free Trails community.

Above: Trash Free Trail Team from The Bike Garage at the end of a Litter Picking Event

Representation & influence

• National‑level advocacy via the APPG (All‑Party Parliamentary Group) Call for Evidence, where PDMTB’s asks included:
• A legal right to ride on suitable, already‑used footpaths;
• A national target of opening at least 22% of rights of way to cyclists;
• A duty on major landowners to publish Rights of Way Improvement Plans;
• Recognition of MTB’s benefits and support for volunteer trail maintenance.
• The APPG response themes acknowledged calls to: expand statutory access, develop an Access to Nature Investment Strategy, improve public transport links, set a long‑term national plan, and overhaul the Countryside Code to better promote responsible access.
• Ongoing relationships with National Trust (Kinder & High Peak Committee), Severn Trent, Forestry England, and government stakeholders.

Onwards – looking into 2026

Strategic themes
Peak cluster – impact & opportunity: preparing for the activity and visitor patterns around clustered Peak District hotspots.
75th Anniversary of the Peak District National Park: a chance to celebrate, advocate and tell the MTB story more widely.
“Outdoors for All” – what next? ensuring MTB is embedded in inclusive access policy.

Delivery streams for 2026

• Dig Days update – led by Jim, Nick and Rick: Plans are in development to deliver new volunteering opportunities for members and followers of PD MTB, these will focus on the Roaches and the Edale valley and surrounds. Watch out for further updates on our website and socials.
• New trail access:
• Project 22%
• DMMOs and landowner designations
• Partner engagement
• NT Strategic Access Plan (Kinder & High Peak)
• Representation on relevant groups including the Peak District LAF and Sheffield LAF

Greville Kelly finished by thanking the committee for all their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm in 2025.

Guest spotlight – Kev Smith (Focus Rides) on the Peaks Enduro MTB Series

Kev shared progress towards a five‑round Peaks Enduro MTB Series. The format is intentionally inclusive and fun, using a mash‑up enduro style with multiple timed downhill stages and untimed transitions, with categories spanning youth to 50+ and EMTB options. The events will provide 500 spaces for entries, with 1000 spaces available at the Nationals event. Published event listings for the 2026 calendar are:

• Round 1 – Barlow: 29 March 2026
• Round 2 – Barlow: 25 April (Ladies & Kids / U15 Boys), 26 April (Mens race)
• Round 3 – Barlow: 23–24 May 2026
• Round 4 – Hope Valley (BNES Round): 20–21 June 2026
• Round 5 – Horseleygate (est.): 19 July 2026

Event info confirms the mash‑up, 5‑stage approach and inclusive category set across MTB and EMTB, matching Kev’s emphasis on opening racing to more riders and building community momentum.

Community & culture

The AGM finished with a photo competition, a raffle, and Q&A, highlighting the creativity and generosity of the PDMTB community—and offering one more reminder that our trails, access and events are built by riders, for riders. Winner of photo competition was Miles Boyd, with excellent runner up entries from Seb James and Rob Paul.

The 2026 Committee present at the AGM (Left to Right: Greville, Ned, Nick, Chris, Jeff (kneeling) Rick, Dave, James and Richard.

Thanks & how to get involved

A huge thank‑you to every volunteer, donor, partner, committee member and rider who contributed in 2025. If you’d like to help with Dig Days, contribute to Project 22%, or support event partnerships in 2026, please keep an eye on our channels and step forward, every hour helps.

Thank you to the great team at Adventure Hub, Bamford for providing the space for this year’s AGM. Adventure Hub, nestled in the heart of the Peak District, is home to a small, friendly, and truly unique bouldering wall with a welcoming community atmosphere. They offer affordable annual memberships as well as public access during set times.
To learn more visit: https://adventure-hub.com/

The post Peak District MTB – AGM 2025 Report appeared first on Peak District MTB.

Peak District MTB has been offered a fantastic opportunity to support the development of a brand‑new set of private trails at the Barlow Hounds venue near Owler Bar, part of the growing Peak Enduro Series network.

Kev Smith and the team will be on site week commencing 16th February with a digger, shaping fresh lines and building new features , and they’re inviting riders who want to get stuck in and help create something special.

Why get involved?
This is true dig in, ride out trail building.

For every dig day you put in, you’ll earn a free ride day on the new trails once they open.

It’s a great way to:

• contribute directly to the trails you’ll get to ride
• help shape features and influence how the tracks develop
• build early community ownership and support
• be part of something new before anyone else gets to ride it

Kev has said he is also open to some co–design of trail, saying ‘if diggers spot a good section or have an idea for a feature, there’s room for creativity as long as it works with the overall build.’

Race entries aren’t part of the exchange, as event costs are high, but the dig‑day ride‑day offer is a generous and fair way to reward volunteers.

When?
Week commencing 16th February, and ongoing as the build progresses.

Where?
Barlow Hounds, near Owler Bar – Full details will be provided once you register interest.

Want to get involved?
Message Kev Smith directly on WhatsApp to register your interest and get the latest dig‑day:
Message – 07792 515709 or to learn more about the planned Peak Enduro Series visit https://focusrides.co.uk/events/

The post Peak Enduro Series: Call for Dig-Day Volunteers: Dig Days at Barlow Hounds! appeared first on Peak District MTB.

The project proposes a 121‑mile underground CO₂ pipeline, transporting captured carbon emissions from major cement and lime plants in Derbyshire and Staffordshire to permanent storage in the depleted Morecambe Bay gas fields.

The scheme is backed by a consortium including Tarmac, Holcim, Breedon, Buxton Lime and Spirit Energy, supported by funding from the National Wealth Fund and additional private partners.

Why This Matters to Mountain Bikers

While the pipeline would be underground for most of its route, its construction phase spans four counties and includes several sections affecting land near existing rights‑of‑way, sensitive landscapes, and areas popular with outdoor users. In Derbyshire alone, the proposed alignment crosses roughly several miles of the Peak District near Hope Valley, Dove Holes and Chapel-en-le-Frith.

The project is still in its first consultation phase, running from 12 January to 27 February 2026, and includes several in‑person events where the public can question the project team and give feedback.

For mountain bikers, this is the key moment to raise concerns about:

• Access to trails during construction
• Long‑term restoration of affected land
• Protection of bridleways, byways and permissive routes
• Impacts on wildlife, habitats and iconic upland landscapes
• Monitoring and mitigation of future maintenance works
• Ensuring that the Peak District remains a world‑class riding environment

What the Project Involves

According to publicly available documents, the pipeline would:

• Transport up to three million tonnes of CO₂ per year for offshore storage.
• Support the decarbonisation of 40% of the UK’s cement and lime production, much of which takes place around Buxton, Hope Valley and Staffordshire Moorlands.
• Create between 1,200 and 13,000 jobs depending on the phase of calculation (construction vs. long‑term industry support).
• Require a wide construction corridor, up to 300 metres during route selection, narrowing to around 100 metres for the final build.

The pipeline route involves complex engineering choices, including watercourse crossings, proximity to sensitive sites, and occasional sections where burial may not be possible.

Consultation Events: Your Chance to Influence What Happens Next

The consultation includes drop‑in sessions across different communities. For our members, the most relevant are the events being held in:

• Leek – Monday 9th February
• Buxton – Tuesday 10th February
• Bradwell – Thursday 12th February

These sessions are designed for residents, land users, and groups like ours to ask questions directly to the project team and ensure outdoor recreation interests are represented.

A Message from Peak District MTB Committee

“This project could have long‑lasting consequences for the landscapes and trails we all care about. That’s why it is absolutely vital that Peak District MTB members take part in the consultation. Whether you ride weekly or only when you can, your voice matters. Please attend the consultation events in Leek, Buxton and the Hope Valley, and make sure the mountain biking communities voice is heard.”

How You Can Contribute

• Attend a consultation event – ask questions, express concerns, and request clarity on trail impacts.
• Submit feedback online through the consultation website before 27 February 2026.
• Inform other riders—the more responses from our community, the stronger our influence.
• Report any trails you believe are at risk so we can compile a community map of concern areas.

The post Peak Cluster CO₂ Pipeline: What Mountain Bikers Need to Know appeared first on Peak District MTB.

The three finalists from our own Photo Competition presented at the AGM event in January will also feature, including the winning photo taken by Miles Boyd. Members Rob Paul and Seb James will also be featured along with a wider selection of iconic Peak District MTB images curated by the Peak District MTB Committee.

Photo: Win Hill Climb by Miles Boyd

Supporting Better Representation for Mountain Bikers

This exhibition is also a step forward in better representation for mountain bikers across the Peak District. By placing our community front‑and‑centre in a public arts festival, A View from Two Wheels helps show a wider audience who we are: responsible riders, passionate advocates, community members, and people deeply connected to this landscape.
Being part of the festival opens doors, conversations with locals, creatives, authorities and visitors who may never have seen mountain biking presented as culture, storytelling or identity. It strengthens our advocacy work by giving us visibility in spaces where MTB voices aren’t always heard, and helps demonstrate that riding isn’t just recreation, it’s an important thread in the fabric of Peak District life.

…Now the arty bit…

The exhibition sits within the wider Dark Peak Photo Festival, a celebration of contemporary photography exploring the festival’s central theme: Identity. The festival invites artists to look at identity as something shaped by personal experience, society, and importantly, the landscapes we move through.

Photo: Peak District Climb by Seb James

Our contribution, A View from Two Wheels, brings that idea to life through mountain biking. It’s a photography exhibition exploring identity not just as a personal journey but as something shaped by the landscapes we inhabit and the communities we cherish — and at the heart of that narrative is Peak District MTB, a voluntary mountain biking advocacy group that exists because people care deeply about this place and each other.

Photo: Mount Famine in the sun by Rob Paul

Just as the festival transforms Glossop into a network of open-access galleries, our exhibition shows how the Peak District shapes riders—and how riders, in turn, help shape the spirit of the Dark Peak. The festival’s identity-themed programme spans diverse interpretations of personal, cultural and landscape-driven identity, creating a creative conversation that mountain biking fits into naturally.
Explore the full identity‑themed programme here : www.darkpeakphoto.co.uk/identity-around-town

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