Rangers take to two wheels to patrol hills and dales

And now, rangers in the Peak District will be getting on their mountain bikes, after a huge increase in the number of riders using bridleways and roads in the area.

It is thought to be the first time that national park rangers in the UK have taken to two wheels to patrol the hills and dales.

The cycling rangers will be out and about every weekend to give out directions and cycling tips; administer first aid if necessary and assist with mechanical problems including flat tyres.

Pennine Way ranger Martyn Sharp said: “Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports and appeals to people of all ages.

“We’ve had some very positive responses to our cycling patrols from fellow mountain bikers and from walkers.”

One of the jobs of the riding rangers will also be to mediate between groups of tourists should conflicts arise.

In recent years, there have been clashes between different groups of people using trails in the Peak District, such as walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and those who ride vehicles such as 4x4s and quad bikes.

Mr Sharp added: “Mountain bikers can sometimes feel they aren’t welcome, because some say they cause erosion and come into conflict with other users.

“But we all have an impact on the countryside and we’ve got to respect each other’s pastimes.

“Mountain bikers are certainly welcome on our bridleways and byways.

“We’ll be letting them know where they can and can’t cycle, and telling them about plans for any new routes.”

A spokesman for the Peak District National Park Authority said the mountain bike patrols “enable the rangers to cover a much wider area in a shorter time.”

They added: “As the service develops, rangers will also be using social media such as Twitter and Facebook to give immediate advice and updates on the condition of routes and trails.”

The move has been cautiously welcomed by mountain bikers in the region.

Esther Barnes, from Marsden, said: “I think it could be a positive move, if it provides a friendly welcome to those new to the sport, or to the Peaks, with information on which trails they can use - so long as it’s not over-the-top supervision.

“If it helps promote being considerate both ways between cyclists and other users of the Peaks then that’s a good thing.”

Fellow mountain biker Robert Clarke added: “I’m not sure how necessary this is.

“The thing about the Peaks is that it’s really busy and, even if you had no tools and no map, you wouldn’t have to wait long for someone to come along who did.”

The rangers’ biking project has coincided with the official launch of the “Kinder Loop”, a new long-distance route for riders, cyclists and walkers in the Peak District.

The 55-mile route encircles Kinder Scout - scene of the Mass Trespass of 1932 - using existing bridleways, lanes, the Pennine Bridleway and the Trans-Pennine Trail.

Along the way it takes in many of the Peak District’s most famous sights, such as Howden, Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs and the picturesque Hope Valley.

The Kinder Loop was officially opened on Monday, June 3 by Cosima Towneley, daughter of Mary Towneley who, in September 1986, highlighted the poor state of the country’s bridleways and campaigned for a long-distance route for horse-riders by riding with two friends from Hexham in Northumberland to Ashbourne in Derbyshire.

Their ride eventually led to the Pennine Bridleway being established.

Miss Towneley said “It is wonderful to see the emergence of routes joining parishes, districts and counties and to ensure equestrian access which remains so vital to our economic, recreational and historical wellbeing today.”

Wendy Neilson,chairman of the Peak Horsepower group which developed the Kinder Loop, said: “Peak Horsepower hopes this new long distance route will provide people with a wonderful riding experience in the Peak District that they will remember forever.

“As increasing traffic on our roads restricts access to safe riding, it is important that we develop routes that allow our sport to continue.

“We hope the Kinder Loop will also be enjoyed by cyclists and walkers.”