What is project 22%?
The 22% project is our focus on increasing the rideable rights of way network in the Peak District from the current level of 11% to match the national average of 22%. Basically, it’s our drive to double the amount of bridleways in the national park.
Why not 100%?
We do want 100% access, but we have to start somewhere. 22% will give us a fantastic foundation. It will give us examples; it will introduce us to landowners, councils and other supporting groups. There is also a key difference. 100% access is a different campaign – it requires more fundamental legislative change. It can be done and we completely support it. 22% requires a different approach – and it’s one we can start on now.
Who does this benefit?
Everyone benefits from an increase in the accessible rights of way. Riders on horse or bike have more places they can go, walkers will see more groups committed to looking after the trails and the trails themselves will benefit from the load being spread over a far greater network – rather than in honeypots.
I don’t want more cyclists on the rights of way network – why is this a good thing?
Why not? Check out our trail maintenance days as an example of why mountain bikers are a very good group to have involved in the rights of way network. Peak District MTB volunteers – mountain bikers – spent over 300 hours maintaining the Peak District rights of way network in 2019 alone.
How is this different to the 2026 lost rights of way project?
The 2026 deadline for recording lost rights of way is about ensuring historical rights of way are not lost. This may be rights of way that have fallen out of use or have been downgraded over the years (more info here). There’s a huge amount of being done by several user groups already. The 2026 lost rights of way initiative is just one element of Project 22%.
How can I help?
- Fill in the form. We want to know which trails should be upgraded.
- And spread the word.
