Climbers and walkers get official access to quarry

An arrangement between Sheffield Council and Natural England means the whole of the former Millstone Edge Quarry, near Hathersage, will open to the public from May 1. It will be dedicated as Access Land, giving a legal right of access for people to rock climb, walk and birdwatch anywhere around it.

The council said there had been no right to roam for the public until now but added that use of the site had always been "informally tolerated" for responsible countryside users.

Some voluntary restrictions on rock climbing have been in place for years to protect nesting ravens early in the year.

Les Sturch, the council's director of development services said: "I am sure the new access arrangements will be welcomed by all users who appreciate the stunning beauty of the Peak District.

"We are still committed to looking after the ravens that nest on the cliff during the spring and will be continuing with the voluntary restrictions on rock climbing from time to time to protect them."

Sheffield Council made its decision after the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) identified Millstone Edge as somewhere it would like to see opened for rock climbers.

Dr Cath Flitcroft, Access and Conservation Officer at the BMC said: "We're delighted Sheffield Council has taken the opportunity to dedicate Millstone Edge Quarry to secure public access to this wonderful part of the Peak District.

"The BMC has already dedicated three of its own climbing sites for climbing and conservation including nearby Horseshoe Quarry and we have been encouraging other landowners to do the same.

"In dedicating Millstone Edge, Sheffield Council is showing the way forward for others. Not only does dedication secure public access in perpetuity, but it also removes concerns land owners have over liability issues and is a great way to enhance and preserve ecological aspects of the sites."

Geoff Nickolds, the Peak District National Park Authority's

representative for recreation, welcomed Sheffield Council's decision to officially open Millstone Edge Quarry.

He said climbing had always been a popular activity in the Peak District National Park and "initiatives like this are exactly what we are keen to promote."