Peak District routes benefits from fundraising campaign

Above: A stretch of the Great Ridge between the Vale of Edale and the Hope Valley needs repair.

Two of the best-loved landscapes in the Peak District National Park are set to benefit from a new national fundraising appeal.

The Great Ridge footpath, between Mam Tor and Lose Hill, and Cut Gate, on the Derwent Moors, will receive funds raised in the Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million campaign.

A collaboration between the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and UK National Parks, the campaign aims to raise £1 million for vital path repairs during the next 12 months. National Parks are working with the BMC to find ways to raise the sums needed for 13 major projects and are seeking donations from individuals, businesses and grant-giving bodies.

The Great Ridge is one of the Peak District’s most popular upland routes, with stunning panoramic views across the Hope Valley and the Vale of Edale.  An excellent hill walk for people of all abilities, much of it is crossed with well-laid path but £140,000 is needed to complete the remaining footpath. This would make the route safer, reduce erosion and protect the surrounding landscape that makes this route so iconic.

Cut Gate is loved by mountain bikers, fell runners, walkers and horse riders and £70,000 is needed to repair boggy sections, commonly known as the ‘Bog of Doom’. The project aims to sensitively reinforce the path with minimal impact on the landscape or character of the trail.

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park, said: “The Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million campaign is a fantastic opportunity for the Peak District National Park to raise vital funds for path repair work on two really popular and iconic routes, the Great Ridge and Cut Gate. I welcome this initiative to encourage people inspired by the UK’s beautiful National Park landscapes to make much needed donations to help us care for them.”

BMC chief executive, Dave Turnbull, added: “This is a flagship initiative which shows our commitment to safeguard the outdoor and adventurous environment to the benefit of everyone, but it is also a collaborative effort with a UK-wide coalition of organisations, businesses and campaigners, as well as the public. To reach our ambitious target we need everyone to do their bit. We all benefit from these wonderful places and we all have a role to play in looking after them.”

The appeal – sponsored by outdoor retailers Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock – builds on the success of last year’s Mend Our Mountains campaign. The two-month crowdfunding drive raised £103,832 for mountain paths across England and Wales. In the Peak District National Park, £17,000 was raised to repair the path below the Ringing Roger rock outcrop on Kinder Scout.

To find out more, please visit: http://mendmountains.thebmc.co.uk/