Above: Cyclists and walkers share the Trail at Great Longstone Station.
Peak District National Park is facing mounting criticism over their application to create a new cycle hire centre in the old goods shed at Miller’s Dale Station. Not only from walkers who already feel there are too many cyclists using the route, but also from the owners of Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire at the Buxton end of the Trail who have complained…
“There is already another cycle hire centre near the Bakewell end of the Trail at Hassop Station. It’s ludicrous to think that a third centre is needed when the route is only eight miles long.
“To my mind this is simply a way for the National Park to make money at the expense of our family cycle-hire business, which we have operated for the last 15 years and was originally backed by the PDNP.”
The response from the PDNP is that they’ve been forced to find ways to replace the almost 50% reduction in their grant from Defra to help cover the cost of some £400,000 a year to maintain the Trail. And that neither Blackwell or Hassop Cycle Centres currently make any contribution.
Talking to the Buxton Advertiser, a PDNP spokesperson added:
“Our proposal to open Millers Dale as a National Park Centre with a bike hiring service will help secure the future of the Monsal Trail by improving responsible use of the trails and increasing options for accessibility, ensuring there is something for everyone.
“We support local independent businesses, but we are also committed to enhancing and protecting the Peak District National Park for everyone and that now requires generating new sources of income.”
Above: Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire lies close to the Buxton end of the Monsal Trail, about a mile from Wyedale car park.
A post on the Buxton Advertiser’s Facebook page about the topic generated a wide range of comments, many from people who regularly park at Miller’s Dale. Pete says he’s operated a commercial business from the station for over five years:
The PDNP need to double the capacity of the carpark. During the weekends and silly season, if you’re not parked up by 9.30 am you may as well forget it until lunch time and then take your chances waiting for someone to leave.
By adding the cycle hire facility, they will be attracting an additional 50 cars plus at peak periods. This is a business model doomed to fail before it’s even opened its doors.
The PDNP’s application still has some way to go before a decision will be made. Click here to read the application and perhaps make your views known.
