In 2019 an important link into the western Peak District lost its permissive access for cyclists and horse riders. Five years later we still have no access, and those who use this right of way on a bike continue to be confronted by the land owner.
The land owner at Paddock Farm asked for permissive bridleway access to be revoked on the footpath at SJ977 654 through Paddock and down to the public highway at West Lodge due – amongst other reasons – to seeing an increasing number of cyclists using the route (see map). The footpath was part of the popular Wallabies Revenge mountain bike route until it lost its permissive bridleway status. Read more in our story from October 2019.
We recently heard of another mountain biker getting approached by the land owner in what was reported as an aggressive manner. This is not the first report we’ve heard like this, and probably won’t be the last. If you don’t want a potentially aggresive altercation, we recommend avoiding that footpath. It is a great shame though; it’s one of the key access points into the Western Peak District for mountain biking, including from major towns like Macclesfield. It also connects directly with the Peak District MTB permissive cycleway on the Roaches estate.
Staffordshire Moorlands Bridleways Association (SMBA) have had a long campaign to change the status of this footpath including submitting a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) in 2017. Documents from 1874 show a request for a diversion of route by the lodge at the Danebridge end of the track, proving it was the main road from Wincle to Gradbach. Additionally a Bartholomew map from the very early 20th century show the route as a ‘touring’ route for cyclists. Back then cyclists weren’t allowed on bridleways, providing further historical evidence of it being a highway. Despite this evidence and more, many years have passed since the DMMO was first submitted to Staffordshire County Council and we still have no decision. We are very grateful to SMBA and John Amies – related to our 2022 Advocate of the Year Martin Amies from Congleton MTB Club – for their ongoing campaigning.
If you do use this footpath and are subject to any unusual behaviour from the landowner or his family, please let us know. If you have been physically or verbally threatened or otherwise feel uncomfortable, please report the incident to the police.
Further reading
Check out these articles that cover where you can – and can’t – ride off-road:
Where can mountain bikes be ridden? – Peak District MTB’s guidance and part of our collection of ‘Useful Info‘ to help you get the most out of riding in the Peak District.
What on Earth is Cheeky Riding? – Peak District MTB’s thoughts on riding on footpaths.
Public Footpaths (England & Wales) – Cycling UK’s guidance on footpaths and cycling