Visitors urged to visit Peaks by train

Free leaflets have been produced in order to make it easier for public transport users to visit the villages by bus and train.

Peak Connections has produced the leaflets for Hope and Hathersage using funding from the Peak District National Park Authority’s Live and Work Rural scheme, which helps small and medium-sized businesses.

The leaflets include maps of both villages, bus and train timetables, details of local shops and businesses and walking routes.

Carol Lavell, Peak Connections project officer, said: “Peak Connections is all about getting people on to buses and trains to visit the area and enjoy a day out, without the hassle of driving or finding parking spaces.

“Hathersage and Hope were chosen for the leaflets as both have good public transport links, a good network of local businesses, facilities and points of interest for a visitor.

“We hope the leaflets will give people reasons to visit the villages and enable them to do that in a sustainable way.”

The leaflets can be seen online at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/peakconnections.

Printed copies are also available from outlets including Peak District National Park visitor centres.

Coun David Jackson, chairman of the recreation committee at Hathersage Parish Council, said: “We wish to promote travel to the village by public transport as there are limited parking facilities.

“We are conscious that reduced traffic movement in the village and the whole Peak District gives a more enjoyable experience for visitors and should encourage them to return.”

Jane Marsden from Hope Valley Ice Cream, one of the businesses featured in the Hathersage leaflet, said she hoped the drive would “help visitors explore our wonderful village.”