Have you been riding around the Hayfield, Derbyshire area for a healthy number of years? If so, you might be instrumental in opening up a new right of way. Or rather, re-opening an old one.

The trail in question is a track between the Sett Valley Trail at Slacks Crossing and Swallowhouse Lane (see it on Multimap). According to Lisa Gwynne of the Dark Peak Bridleway Association, “This was open for general use for many years but closed by Clark Mellor as he claimed to own the land. Since then he has died and the land has been sold to a property developer who wants to build and has blocked any access across the route.”

The Rambler’s Association has apparently put together a strong case for the trail being given footpath status, but the DPBA would like to see it become a bridleway. To do this they need evidence of long-term horse and bicycle use, and plenty of it. So if you’ve ever used this trail (the longer ago the better), you could help to get it officially opened up.

Think you can help? Contact local IMBA rep Julian Winstanley.