Raising a glass and help Mend our Mountains

A new beer will be launched this weekend in support of a Peak District National Park fundraising project.

Great Ridge Ale has been specially brewed by Peak Ales to help raise funds for the Mend Our Mountains campaign.

A 10p donation from sales of the 4.5% ABV pale ale will go towards path repairs to the iconic Great Ridge, between Mam Tor and Lose Hill.

Peak Ales brewery manager Thom Bettney said: “We are thrilled to be part of the Mend our Mountains campaign. The timing was perfect for the arrival of our brand new brewery on the Chatsworth Estate and we were able to brew Great Ridge Ale straight away. It is brewed with British Jester and Challenger hops and is a really beautiful pint.”

The Great Ridge project is part of the Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million campaign, led by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and involving all UK National Parks.

As part of the campaign, the Peak District National Park has fundraising targets of £140,000 for the Great Ridge and £70,000 for repairs to Cut Gate Bridleway on the Derwent Moors.

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.

Part of the route 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.

The Peak District National Park’s fundraising development manager Sarah Slowther said: “We’re delighted that Peak Ales is supporting this great cause with a beer named after one of the Peak District National Park’s most-loved walking routes.

“Popular paths become worn quickly and this campaign is an opportunity for people who enjoy them to contribute towards the cost of maintaining them. Every donation we receive helps to care for our National Park for future generations and it is fantastic when businesses based here give us their support.”

The cask launch of Great Ridge Ale is at the Chatsworth Country Fair, which runs from Friday 31st August to Sunday 2nd September.

Bottles of the ale can be bought at the Peak Ales Visitor Centre shop at Cunnery Barn on the Chatsworth estate.