We’re always pushing for increased MTB access, and to have two major landowners onside and supporting us is a massive step forward.
And now we have another new route for you.
The Conduit / Ashop Aqueduct.
It may be just under a mile, but it’s an important mile – connecting two favourite descents in The Beast and Potato Alley. And why’s it important? Well this link connects two bridleways that were previously only easily connected via one of the most dangerous roads in the UK.
Signposted at both ends by Severn Trent Water, and with our Peak District MTB green arrow discs on a post in the middle, it’s a perfect link back to Ladybower from the bottom of Potato Alley, avoiding the need to go on to the A57. And with the connection we now have (technically), a traffic free loop around the whole of Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. This is really important for developing mountain biking because it’s something we can promote to the less experienced rider.
“The conduit connection is something we’ve seen as a perfect connection for years,” says Chris Maloney, Chair of Peak District MTB. “It links brilliant riding loops, gives riders loads more options and importantly, offers a safer route from A to B. Or B to A if you’re going anti-clockwise!”
Though in typically stunning landscape, the route itself is nothing remarkable, which is why we’ve always seen it as something of a no brainer. It’s a flat, resilient connection between the more interesting descents we know and love. The connective opportunities it offers though are excellent and so we’re really chuffed to get it in place.
“Links like this shouldn’t take the a decade long effort to open up,” adds Chris. “But it’s thanks to The National Trust and Severn Trent Water finally thinking progressively on this link that we’ve been able to open it up. Enjoy the ride folks!”
Since our first trail maintenance work, in conjunction with Peak District National Park, on the route back in December 2021, it’s taken longer than we’d envisioned to get the green light. But we hope you’ll agree; well worth the time of our members who volunteered on the dig day and patient behind the scenes work of our committee members – especially if it leads to more in the future…
Project 22% continues however. We’re still woefully under-supplied when it comes to access for bikes on Peak District rights of way. Find out more here.