Supporters of ambitious plans to create a circular cycle route between Matlock and Buxton have been asked help fund a second bid to create a key link through Grinlow Wood.

Last August, Buxton councillors rejected proposals by Peak Cycle Links to open a path for cyclists and walkers linking Buxton and Ladmanlow via Grinlow Wood, following protests by residents of Holmfield in Burbage.

Now PCL, a charity founded to help create the circuit, has come up with an amended route through Grinlow, starting from Green Lane rather than Holmfield – avoiding parking issues which sparked the complaints.

However, it needs £4,000 to pay for ecological, industrial, archeology and topographical studies before it can submit the revised scheme to planners. If it can’t raise the funds by mid-February, it faces the larger expense of a completely new planning application.

“We have been working hard with Buxton Civic Association, who own Grinlow, to develop the new route, which is closer to Poole’s Cavern and should have far less impact on Holmfield,” says PCL chair Peter Stacey.

One of the main objectives of the campaign is to create a route allowing people to cycle and walk from Buxton, without the need to drive to a starting point.

“The project will also improve public amenity by improving access to that part of Grinlow Woods with an all-weather surface and disabled access,” he says.

Buxton Civic Association supports the overall concept of the circular trail, which it believes will bring substantial long-term benefits to the local tourism industry. It has been involved in lengthy negotiations with PCL over the Grinlow section.

“We have taken professional advice, not only from our own in-house experts, but also from arboricultural, archaeological and ecological consultants, to ensure that we are protecting valuable plants and archaeological sites,” says BCA chair Paul Dinsdale.

“Our Woodlands Committee is focused on ensuring that if planning consent is obtained, the construction of the track will be carried out in such a way as to minimise any visual and ecological impact, and to discourage cyclists from straying from the route or causing inconvenience to other users of the track and the woodlands”.

For more information and details of how to donate: www.peakcyclelinks.org.uk.

Article contributed by Pure Buxton.