£430k funding for Monsal Trail

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill announced that the Peak District will be one of five national parks to get a slice of £2.7million of funding to develop cycling routes, improving links with the surrounding areas.

He said:“I want to get more people on their bikes and this funding will open up cycle access to some of the country’s most scenic routes.

“It demonstrates the government’s determination to continue the cycling legacy generated by the 2012 Olympics and the launch of the Tour de France in Yorkshire last year.”

The Peak District itself will receive £430,000 to create a new short cycle link providing access from north west Matlock to the Monsal Trail.

The trail will mainly follow the existing footpath next to the Peak Rail track from Matlock to Rowsley.

In most places it will be three metres wide and the surface will be the same stone as the Monsal trail.

Two planning applications for the project are expected to be considered early this year and, if approved, work would start as soon as possible.

Derbyshire County Council claims there was overwhelming support for the scheme during a public consultation held to find out people’s opinions on the plans.