Wednesday 11 March 2020

Carsington and beyond - March workday





The intention for this work day was to simply ride the entire length of NCR 547 and check the signage, condition of track, etc. So efficiently did David & Catherine, new member of the group, Peter and myself complete this task that we decided to extend the ride along the High Peak trail and make the day into a really good circuit.

Minor signage issues were dealt with and old faded signs replaced. As efficient as ever, Catherine had cleaning materials to "spring clean" one or two of the route signs that looked as though they could do with one

Peter showed his ability as the new group photographer and the picture above clearly shows the value of Catherine's spring cleaning efforts.

NCR547 is a delightful route from Tissington across to the High Peak Trail via Bradbourne, Carsington and Hopton. Last year we had problems with vegetation on the short section between the B5035 leading down towards the STWA Visitor centre but we managed to arrange for SWTA rangers to undertake the major works required to clear it. The tyre marks through the mud suggest it is now well used, but some trimming back will be required again in the Autumn and so I will put onto our work plan.

The section a bit further down, literally just before the cycle track enters the STWA estate, has deteriorated as can be seen in the photo below. It certainly doesn't make the track unuseable, but care would be required if used by unconfident or vulnerable cyclists. I will try to see if we can get the STWA Rangers to help us repair it as some specialist input will be required to ensure the same problem doesn't occur as soon as we get the next rainstorm!


We coffee'd at the visitor centre (now a customary feature of work days) and then set off around the (very) full reservoir to leave the circuit track and head off into Carsington. This is a difficult junction and one that I know is concerning the Sustrans quality and safety guardians. We added a few more signs, just to make sure everyone knows where they are meant to be going.

Before we knew it we had reached the High Peak trail (NCR54) and it wasn't even lunchtime. Up on this exposed track it was pretty raw in the wind and so good speed made up the incline and on to Minninglow. (The temporary bridge at Grangemill is supposed to be replaced later this year, I read today. That will undoubtedly cause some disruption for cyclists and so we will need to keep an eye open for precisely when those works are due to take place?

From Minninglow David R suggested a cross-country route back to the Tissington trail via Parwich. I can't believe it but I don't think I have ever been to Parwich and Alsop en le Dale before. Both are delightful and the green in Parwich made a delightful (if not cold) place to eat our sandwiches. It was a great "short-cut" and David even had the solution for getting us safely across the A515 and back on to the trail. It did involve a short section of footpath but as we were pushing, not cycling I think we can be forgiven?

With the threatening rain clouds finally depositing their contents on us we enjoyed the slight downhill gradient along the trail, back to the cars in Tissington.

Another really useful day with plenty achieved.

Next workday will be on Friday April 3rd. Although David and Catherine keep that route in very good order it seems like quite  along time since we had a work day ride in that area. Therefore, that is where we will be heading!























































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