Like most National Parks, traffic is now becoming a major headache in the Peak District, with visitor numbers second only to Mount Fuji in Japan! In answer, Derbyshire County Council is preparing a new “Road User Charging Scheme” around the Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs.

The scheme will introduce a barrier operated toll along Derwent lane which joins the reservoirs and Fairholmes Visitor Centre (a very popular bike ride start point) to the A57 trunk road. Increased park and ride buses from local, less used car parks will be available to those wanting to avoid the toll.

As well as cutting the current traffic levels (3,000 cars last August Bank Holiday) on Derwent lane, the scheme also includes a improvement of the cycle route alongside the main road from Bamford and ‘upgrading’ of the Thornhill Trail.

Don’t expect things to happen overnight though as completion of the scheme is planned for this time next year. The toll will only operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays too – welcome news for the BIKEmagic Peak posse and their Wednesday night rides.