The Peak District National Park Authority has warned visitors to stop putting themselves “at risk” after reports of people ignoring the closure of a popular trail. It is reminding users of the Monsal Trail to be aware of weekday closures on the route throughout January and February while maintenance work takes place.
Reports from on-site staff and contractors over the last few days have confirmed that some people are ignoring the warning signage, fencing and other barriers along the route. Sections of the eight-mile trail, which runs between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill, and taking in Millers Dale Station, are shut for public access as the authority and contractors undertake operations for ash dieback, along with other routine safety and maintenance tasks.
The works will not affect weekend or holiday periods but, from Monday to Friday, the full trail is not available as a through-route. Areas not being worked on may remain open. The authority says it hopes to then re-open shorter, individual sections of the route as works are complete and those areas are made safe.
Initial priority will be given to the section between Bakewell and the popular Headstone (Monsal) Viaduct during early January, along with Millers Dale and Chee Tunnel. Information on sections re-opened for use by visitors will be made available on the national park’s website and social media channels.
The works are required to minimise the risk to trail users from weakened and potentially falling trees affected by ash dieback, a chronic fungal disease of ash trees in Europe. Much of the ash tree population of the Peak District is likely to be affected by ash dieback in the coming years, in particular in the White Peak area.
A spokesperson for the Peak District National Park Authority said: “We’re of course aware of the huge popularity of the Monsal Trail and that any closures will affect both local users and some visitors from further afield. However, by undertaking works at this time it allows to do so with the most minimal impact compared to the rest of the year, and the route will remain fully accessible during weekends throughout.
“These brief periods of restricted access and disruption hopefully mean that we can ensure further closures are not necessary or mitigated for as much as we possibly can. Our priority on the National Park’s popular trails network is to minimise the potential risk to trail users from trees within falling distance of the route, and at the same time ensuring the heath of adjacent habitats.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of adhering to all signage, barriers and restricted areas which are in place for direct public safety. Ignoring such closures may put you, our staff or contractors at risk due to active works taking place.”