Ancient pack-horse trail above Hathersage opened up to walks.
Interesting news from the Peak District National Park which has
reinstated an ancient path previously used by pack-horse trains.
The path in question is a hollow-way, in other words a sunken path
carved out of the landscape by the horses and is accessed from a
point close to a T-junction in Coggers Lane - this
minor road - from where it apparently joins up with existing
paths heading towards Stanage Edge.
The path, says the Peak Park Authority was probably used by
Charlotte Bronte, whos heroine Jane Eyre crosses from Moscar Cross
(White Cross in the book) to Hathersage crossing Ridgwayside, an area
of traditional haymeadows to the east of the road above the very
obvious road junction. It's marked on the 1:25,000 map of the area.
The idea was suggested by local walkers in the Stanage
Forum, which involves local people and users in the
management of the area and much of the conservation work involved in
reinstating the path was done by disadvantaged youngsters from
Nottingham.
"It's a real asset to the National Park, and it's in keeping with
the spirit of GHB (Bert) Ward, the original 'King of the Ramblers,'
who pressed for increased access to provide education about the
countryside," said Matthew ey, manager of the National Park
Authority's Stanage and North Lees estates.
"It's enabled disadvantaged inner city youngsters to do
conservation work, such as dry-stone walling, and enjoy wild
surroundings which they wouldn't normally experience."
Walkers are asked to remember to close gates and keep dogs on a
lead as this is a farmed landscape. It is a concessionary path
initially, but is expected to be dedicated as soon as possible.
Great to see the Peak Park Authority expanding rights of way for
the benefit of both locals and visitors.
