Monsal Trail tunnels

[Richard G.]

Finally heard the news that the Monsal Trail railway tunnels are due to be opened on May 25th. This was the first in the Julia Bradbury Railway Walks series, but the tunnels were not then open to the general public.

Pedal Peak District have been working on the trail and tunnels to open it up right through from Bakewell to Buxton for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

More info here

[The Woodman]

I had a quick dip into your link to see if there was any info on bat surveys, Richard. I note that the following amounts were spent on the project.

The whole project has cost £2.25 million. Approximate breakdown of costs includes:

Clearing the tunnels £20,000
Surveys £40,000
Repairs to tunnels - £360,000
Resurfacing trail and tunnels - £400,000
Lighting the tunnels - £600,000
3 new access ramps to trail £60,000
Investigating link routes - £120,000
Social marketing - £240,000 (including development of Home | Pedal Peak District | CTC Challenge For Change)

Do you happen to know if there were any bat surveys done?

[Richard G.]

Good question John and I'm afraid I've no idea.

In fact detailed information has generally been a bit scarce, since I first heard about it, though I think the figure you mention is the entire budget for the Pedal Peak District scheme, not just the Trail.

There's an email address on their website, if you wanted to quiz them though; pedal@peakdistrict.gov.uk.

[Paul mabbott]

I've been looking forward to this for some time: shan't be one of the first because I imagine it will be a bit crowded the first week!

Originally Posted by Richard G.

Finally heard the news that the Monsal Trail railway tunnels are due to be opened on May 25th. This was the first in the Julia Bradbury Railway Walks series, but the tunnels were not then open to the general public.

Pedal Peak District have been working on the trail and tunnels to open it up right through from Bakewell to Buxton for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

More info here

[The Woodman]

Thanks Richard, I'll ask out off curiosity. It was the lighting that caught my eye and I was wondering if it is turned off at night. That thought lead to many others!

[Richard G.]

I have read that there are sensors that will extinguish the lights at dusk and turn them back on in the morning. In fact Grough have just published another article with a bit more technical info, but it still doesn't answer the bat question unfortunately.

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

I've been looking forward to this for some time: shan't be one of the first because I imagine it will be a bit crowded the first week!

Aye Paul, think we'll be down there soon, in fact I was on the Bakewell end of the trail just a week or so ago. Definitely time to blow the dust off the bikes though...

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

in fact I was on the Bakewell end of the trail just a week or so ago.

What??? And you didn't call in for a cuppa??!!

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by sunnydale

What??? And you didn't call in for a cuppa??!!

LOL, actually I did think about you. We stayed the night at the Lathkil Hotel in Over Haddon on a 2-day circular. It was a perfect couple of days and I didn't half need it...

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

LOL, actually I did think about you.

Oh, well that's OK then Glad you both enjoyed your trip. I could do with one myself......although I don't fancy staying in Over Haddon!