RIGHTS OF WAY

Please help us protect your rights to trail ride. Without rights of way trail riding cannot take place and this particular means of enjoying the countryside will be forever lost.

Posted 27 April 2023

Grindleford BOAT SK2376-04

Greetings folks, we have recently received notification from DCC that an Objection has been raised against their classifying the carriageway as a BOAT between New Road and Main Road Grindleford. The route is often known colloquially as Excelsior or Blind Lane.

You may recall that a few years back we asked you for User Evidence and thankfully quite a number of folks supported that request, sufficient to swing the balance to our favour. It is now up to DCC to protect their decision but as a safety net it would not harm our case to look for additional UEFs as we might need to offer DCC our support against this vexatious claim. Similarly if you previously replied by email only to the original inquiry then please would you complete the DCC User Evidence Form as emails do not carry the value as the official form.

If you did not reply to the original request but used the route in/on a motor vehicle within the 20 years time frame before 2006 then please would you send one now to;

ue_derbyshire@glass-uk.org

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 16 February 2023

Rights of Way Report February 2023.

Ok, time for a quick update. The problem in getting an accurate overview of ROW issues is that we have a distinct lack of communication from the various Authorities, all of which have made cuts to their staffing budgets, reallocating of responsibilities within departments and/or staff leaving. Trying to get action or even answers to questions is like trying to extract a bike out of a waist deep mud hole!

One example is that I have been trying to get High Peak Borough Council to remove fly tipped rubbish from Pindale, Castleton. Correspondence started back in May 2022 and still even more rubbish collects to the original pile.

The principal routes of concern to us within the Peak District remain;

• Bamford Clough - the TRO has expired but metal railings and signage inhibit access. GLASS has offered a compromise of use to the Highway Authority but the local Parish Council want the route closed permanently to all vehicles.

• Hollinsclough - clearly work has moved on at Limmers Rake in that resurfacing looks to be almost complete but Swan Rake and Joes Lane are far behind.

• Three Shires Head to Knotbury End Farm,Staffordshire, no news received nor expected yet regarding the ridiculous claim to downgrade to bridleway.

• Edensor, Beeley Moor and the lane next to Pineapple House Farm have all suddenly been resurfaced, the materials and standard totally destroying their character, however the method of repair is of such poor quality that I expect that they will revert to a rough state given 18 months of water erosion.

• Back Lane, Darley Dale, was resurfaced about two years ago and the route now has serious deterioration in its centre line due to water erosion.

• over 100 DMMO claims registered with DCC are still on hold with no date expected for any further inquiries.

• there has been no news regarding the government’s Landscape Review, I expect that it will drift in to oblivion.

I continue to attend PDVUG which remains vigilant and works closely with GLASS to protect our Rights Of Way in the Peak District National Park and adjoining areas.

Hugh Cleary,

Posted 6 July 2022

Bamford Clough BOAT: Derbyshire County Council; letter here, plan here

Greetings folks, some of you may be unaware that DCC has extended its consultation regarding a one-way ETRO on the BOAT at Bamford Clough. GLASS responded to the original consultation in Feb/March and indicated that, as an organisation, it is prepared to support the proposal for a one-way uphill TRO for all vehicles. The letter made it clear that GLASS was disappointed that the authority had tarmacked the route and in so doing created a safety concern, particularly for horse riders and cyclists. If you as individuals have already responded to the February consultation then there is apparently no need to do so again, otherwise you could use this opportunity to do so and record your support. I would suggest that all MPV users should support the one-way order, as the local parish council and residents, plus GLEAM et al, will surely be pushing for a complete closure to MPVs. We believe that a one way ETRO is a reasonable compromise in the circumstances, bearing in mind it can still be amended before it becomes permanent, if it is shown to be unnecessary. I attach the relevant letter and invite you to support GLASS for the sole purpose of the ETRO. Please do not add any alternative management methods at this point.

TTFN

Hugh

Posted 30 May 2022

Rights of Way Report - May 2022.

This report is a brief overview of ROW issues, I cannot offer full details as I am still waiting feedback from GLASS on a number of issues, no doubt GLASS is also frustrated at apparent lack of progress caused by the lack of dialogue from DCC and SCC. Rights of Way is a bit like watching swans, all looks smooth on the surface but the feet are revving like a two stroke with a wide open throttle. A quick update for you.

The TRO on Bamford Clough expired back at the end of December last yet the barriers remain discarded at both ends. I am given to understand that DCC are looking to install some form of traffic management scheme but exactly how that will pan out is open to conjecture at the moment. I expect either a one way system or/and a seasonal restriction.

No updates about Hollinsclough other than to say that another online questionnaire has been presented. Looking at the results of the previous one the Rakes should be open to all but as we know democracy is not quite in vogue when you want to shut down historical routes to ‘recreational motorists’. Might I ask that you look through your collection of photos, trials programs and newspaper cuttings for evidence of our motorised use. Please send copies to me so that I may build a portfolio of evidence to support our future claims. I do have some information but it would not hurt for others to find some more.

I have registered an interest and opposition to the request to reclassify the Staffordshire end of Three Shires to bridleway status. To my mind a ridiculous suggestion from a legal point of view.

I have spoken with High Peak BC today, 23/05/22, about the fly-tipping problem on Pindale and hopefully the waste material will be cleared soon. My reported two other locations were cleared fairly quickly so I don’t understand why this location has not. The burnt out stolen car that I reported has been cleared by a vehicle dismantling company.

Still no feed back from DEFRA about the Countryside Review, I presume that they did not get the result that they wanted!

Hugh Cleary,

Rights Of Way Officer,

23rd May 2022.

Posted 7 April 2022

Greetings fellow motorcyclists,

We are getting very close to the cut off point for folks to register their views regarding the Countryside Landscape Review. It is immensely important that we register as our hobbies and sports are in grave danger of being curtailed or even prevented. The anti-motoring lobby are supporting the online request for an increase in legislation to prevent our accessing the countryside but the knock on effect will be much greater.

Please take a couple of minutes to read the linked (below) joint released article and if you have not already done so then please complete the review, either online or by email.

https://glass-uk.org/lara-and-nmc-warn-of-clear-and-present-danger-to-motoring-and-motorcycling-on-rural-roads?fbclid=IwAR2W-LsINDupBfTeuF0Kp6WhMpF4FWokBVRymWFQmktr2DGLiPhW5RJsNYc

Thank you.

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 9 March 2022 / clarified 14 March 2022

Clarifying what you really must do before 9th April:

Send an email to landscapesconsultation@defra.gov.uk based on the following advice - put some effort into protecting your rights - please.

Greetings folks,

you may have seen or heard about the DEFRA questionnaire referring to the ‘Landscapes Review’ that was undertaken last year. The questionnaire might be well meaning to most folks but when one gets to the section about the use of motor vehicles on green lanes, q13 – q17, the tone changes and in my view leads the reader to want to ban all recreational motoring activities, including trials, motocross and circuit activities. There are two ways to undertake the survey, the first is to use the online questionnaire but I would strongly advise against that method rather that you send your own views relating to motor vehicles using your own criteria. The following comments are offered as guidance and are taken from the advice provided by GLASS in union with LARA and the TRF.

General advice:

• Be polite in your response – argue for what you love to do and not against others

• Try to be succinct – avoid submitting a long rant!

• Use your own words – YOU are the expert on what you do and why you do it

• Focus on the benefits of what we do

• Remember to make it clear which questions you are responding to (email responses)

Suggestions to include:

Explain your views in your own words, your experiences matter. Here are some examples of what you could describe in your response. You do not need to cover all the points, choose what is most important to you.

• Explain your interest in the issue

• Describe what you like about your hobby, motoring, and the countryside

• Explain the benefits you gain from motoring

• Explain who you participate with – family, children, friends, clubs, etc.

• Explain the ways you access the countryside – many of us are not just green laners, we may walk, cycle, horse ride too. Make sure to show how diverse a user-group we are

• Describe how you interact with other users and share the countryside with others

• Explain the reasons you have joined a motoring organisation and why you support it

• If you have additional needs that mean using a vehicle is vital, explain why motoring is essential to you and the benefits motorised access gives you

• Give examples of any activities you have undertaken that benefit the countryside – volunteer work, 4x4 response/rescue, lane repairs, litter picking, sharing advice and education with others, reporting incidents

• If you can bring any financial information to the table please do so. Everything you spend goes back into the economy. How much do you spend on an average trip in fuel, food, accommodation, stopping at facilities along the way? How much do you spend on your vehicle, in parts/gear shops, garages, and in tax?

• If you have any relevant professional interests or qualifications make sure to include these

• Be an advocate for access without prejudice, make your arguments positive and in favour of access for ALL

Those opposed to motor-vehicle use will certainly aim to respond in large numbers and so we need to counter that potential threat. Submit your response before 11.45pm on 9^th April 2022 to make your voice heard and opinions matter!

again this is the email address to send response too: landscapesconsultation@defra.gov.uk

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 9 February 2022

No doubt by now you will have heard of the Report and the Consultation being undertaken by DEFRA.

It follows a quite lengthy report but which I find to be rather biased in it’s approach. The wording of the report is skewed in my opinion to negatively comment upon motorised activities and the wording of the consultation is no better.

To access and read the report yourself follow the link;

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landscapes-review-national-parks-and-aonbs-government-response/landscapes-review-national-parks-and-aonbs-government-response

A meeting was held at LARA yesterday to discuss the review and consultation but no final guidance has yet been issued. Another meeting is planned for the Members to refine their guidance which then will be presented to us for when we do need to complete the consultation. There is plenty of time as the consultation does not close until the 9th April 2022.

Please DO NOT complete the consultation yet but wait for further guidance.

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 23 October 2021

Greetings all, I have received a reply from Staffordshire CC regarding their Consultation about the Rakes at Hollinsclough. Both routes are currently closed to ALL users under the terms of an ongoing Traffic Regulation Order.

I have read the report and it appears to me from the wording that SCC is preparing to claim that there are no Vehicular Rights on either route. We all know that vehicles have been using these two routes since motor vehicles became available to the general public.

PDVUG has yet to hold a meeting to discuss this possible scenario but I am giving you a ‘heads up’ to start looking for documentary evidence, photos, videos, whatever that prove the use for our sport and hobby. Please try to find people who have used the routes in the past as I expect that we shall be looking for User Evidence. If that is the case then I will update you and supply the necessary paperwork for completion.

https://www.britishpathe.com/video/bemrose-motor-cycle-trial/query/motorcycle

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 21 June 2021 (revised 22 June)

Greetings,

This time a request for your User Evidence for two routes to be sent to DCC before 16th July 2021. The preferred time scale ranges from 1984 to 2004 but all recorded use could be useful.

Claims to add a Byway Open to All Traffic along the non-classified highways;

a) from Minninglow Lane via Roystone Grange – Parish of Ballidon. The unique street reference numbers for this adopted but non categorised street are USRN 10927230 for the northern section connecting point ‘A’ Minninglow Lane to Roystone Grange, the lower section from Roystone Grange to the point ‘B’ is USRN 10900819 and the DCC reference is 25357

b) from Ballidon over White Edge to the B5056 - Parish of Ballidon. The unique street reference number for this adopted but non categorised street is USRN 10990159 and DCC reference 25358

Here a) above & here b) above - are maps for each route on to which you must highlight your specific route, signature and date.

You should send any information which you might be able to provide and which you consider may be relevant to the determination of this application, eg copies of any documents including old maps, plans, route cards and photographs, any evidence of how the route has been used by you and the public in the past plus any written statement of any personal experience that you may have of the route.

Your completed UEFs and maps plus any information or comments you wish DCC to consider should be sent by email to;

Hannah.Roberts@derbyshire.gov.uk

Please send a copy of your completed papers to;

ue_derbyshire@glass-uk.org

TTFN

Hugh

Posted 2 May- replacing original 29 April 2021 post

Greetings folks, another request for User Evidence.

We have been advised that the Definitive Map Modification Order claim for Uppermoor Farm Lane, in the parish of Parwich, to be formally recognised as a Byway Open to All Traffic is now being considered.

Although the route is an Adopted highway it currently has no formal classification status. Routes classified as a BOAT would have a public right of way to travel over them by motor vehicles.

To support the original claim we need User Evidence Forms from riders/drivers, especially for the 1984 - 2004 period, records of your earlier or later use would still be welcomed. If you know others who used the route please ask them to complete the forms too.

Your UEF must also include your signed copy of the official consultation map, marked up with the route as ridden/driven by you to personalise it. Your completed documents must be signed, dated and emailed before 21^st May 2021 direct to DCC quoting DCC ref: 25356; Hannah.Roberts@derbyshire.gov.uk

Remember to keep a scanned copy for your records and please send an additional copy to us so that we can record it and keep it for use in any future public inquiry. Our usual address; ue_derbyshire@glass-uk.org

The documents for you to download and complete are here:

Uppermoor Consultation plan, Blank user evidence form, Boat DMMO information document

Please help us to keep the lanes open for all to use.

Thank you.

TTFN

Posted 5 April 2021

Greetings folks, just to give you advance advice that the river crossing at Algreave, Owler’s Bar, has had an official diversion sign and temporary fence erected. The reason behind the diversion is that the now 'closed' to motorists section is actually Wildboarclough FP38.

I know that the shorter crossing has been used by some for years but now things have changed. Please stay to the official route and do not give the antis any ammunition to propose closure of this iconic ford.

Thanks. TTFN.

Added by Mr P: this is the ford known in trials as Worsleys Wash (after Chris Worsley who was a club stalwart for many years until the 1980's you can see him complete with footing coat and gas mask bag in our video here of our snowy 1968 Boxing Day Trial at Booth Farm)

Posted 12 March 2021

Lake District Green Lane Alliance - February Newsletter - rebuttal

Greetings again folks,

Unfortunately there isn't a specific website for this type of message but please feel free to download a copy of the file (here) and distribute it as far and as wide as you possibly can.

We need to ensure that the truth is told as the people behind the Lake District Green Lane Alliance (an anti motorist group in the Lake District) are mostly the same as those of Peak Horse Power (PHP) and GLEAM (Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement). The same mouths present the same half truths and downright lies no matter who the audience. They are devious and deceitful, well educated academically, eloquent and passionate about their cause no matter how hurtful, alienating and division making it is. They are not prepared to accept compromise and they will not rest until they have closed down all motorists' right to use green lanes plus motor sport on private land, yes even trials events.

I have put the attached file on two other motorcyclists' websites too. I know that the opposition read all of our posts, fine but would they please do the honourable thing and not miss quote us but adopt a mindset to work with us for the benefit of all and stop wasting public funds on vicarious claims.

Peak & Derbyshire Vehicle User Group (PDVUG) and Green Lane Association (GLASS) seek to find ways by which all users including ramblers, cyclists, horse riders, carriage drivers, 4X4 plus motorcyclists may take advantage of the routes.

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 20 February 2021

Greetings all,

Lockdown is driving (sorry for the pun) us all a bit stair crazy looking for things to do. Well, perhaps you might not have yet completed your user evidence for the lanes still currently under threat?

'Covid' is preventing formal meetings such as Public Inquiries into route classifications but I have no doubt that as soon as possible we will be drawn into the fight again. Our Team has been reviewing our (your) evidence packs and we think it would be beneficial to have more to prove our collective use, especially for the twenty years from the 1980s. Earlier and/or later is fine but it does not fit in to the requirements of the specification required by the Inspector.

Please, if you or somebody you know had used the lanes around Taddington particularly New Lane and/or Broadway and Bulltor Lanes then would you contact our coordinating team at;

ue_Derbyshire@glass-UK.org

We need your input to keep these routes open for all users, they are wide enough for safe flow of users to pass each other, have a good ground base and views that are superb so thank you to those who have already been in contact. TTFN

Thanks,

Hugh.

Posted 6 February 2021 (this is about the posts dated 13 and 11 January below)

Thank you to all who wrote to SCC and requested that the two routes be kept open for all users, just has as it historically has always been in the past. The Consultation has closed and we shall have to wait and see what SCC propose to do next.

TTFN

HUGH

Posted 13 January 2021

Greetings, over the past few days I have been asked by a number of motorised green lane users, not off-roaders, for guidance as to the completion of the consultation regarding the proposed repairs to Swan & Limers Rakes. The form should be completed personally, in full, noting that sections 1 through to 7 inclusive are mandatory but complete them all.

My advice is the need to bear in mind that this consultation is not about status change nor anything to do with Traffic Regulation Orders, it is simply about the condition to which the two routes should be repaired. I fully support the ideas of repairs, after years of neglect, but the combination of users of the roads should not solely be blamed for the current poor condition. The routes are public carriageways, but not major highways, so the standard of repairs should be appropriate to be sustainable for all legal users.

Various organisations will be responding on behalf of their Members, we are simply recording as an individual and as such that should be entered in the section marked ‘other.’. It is irrelevant that one may or may not be a Member of any organisation and so again our response should be recorded as an ‘individual’.

We motorcyclists respect and encourage all users to avail themselves of the countryside but for the future we are especially concerned for motorised access to be a priority.

How far one travels to visit the area is personal and related solely to the distance from one’s home to Hollinsclough, where we would welcome to meet and share with all other users.

I ask all motorised users to personally complete their form having regard solely to appropriate repairs;

Staffs County Council Consutation form here

Stay safe.

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 11 January 2021

Greetings folks, you may have read elsewhere that Staffordshire CC are conducting a 'consultation' regarding Limers & Swann Rakes at Hollinsclough.

Please respond to Staffs CC as suggested above (posted 13 Jan).

Please pass this message on to our friends.

TTFN

HIGH

Posted 15 December 2020

Greetings feet up fans, ’Tis the season to be jolly’ - but not to be silly.

I am not being a Mr Scrooge trying to spoil folks cheer, just a gentle ‘reindeer’ that we need the goodwill of the farming and countryside communities to pursue our sport and hobbies.

We all love playing in the snow and the views around the Peak District are so magical to experience when covered in snow or simply a hard frost, however even Santa has to be careful because despite his magic powers he still cannot see what might be lurking under the friendly soft looking snow.

Sure, a great laugh to fall in to soft snow but out on the lanes there could well be a rather solid grumpy old rock just waiting for a rib or two to land on it. Hurts to laugh after one of those has had a go at your sternum or shoulder.

It is also wise and respectful to stay to the actual route and not wander off piste. Making snow donuts might seem harmless enough but the reality is that it rips up the land making it even harder for farmers to feed their animals, plus now is the time that the grasses are growing ready for spring and if we go riding inconsiderately the crop will fail leaving just mud which is not nice for us to look at nor for beasts to feed on when spring arrives.

So please, have fun days out riding but stay to the routes.

TTFN

Posted 10 May 2020

Heild End, Burntcliffe Top, Eagle & Child green lane route.

Greetings folks,

I was in conversation with one of the farmers up at Heild Lane and he asked that I express his gratitude to all the motorcyclists who have been courteous in riding the route over the past couple of years.

Unfortunately, however very recently some misguided people have been going up there and have been creating problems in the locality. As a consequence of this limited but serious behaviour he told me that reluctantly in the near future he intends to partially block the access but he will be leaving enough room for motorcyclists and mountain bikers to get through.

As we already know only vehicles classed as motorcycles may use the route because of the ‘old’ Cheshire TRO.

I am proud to say that in general we motorcyclists and 4X4 users are very welcome in the general area. I am sure that we can all appreciate that acknowledgement especially for when the Covid 19 lockdown ends and we can get back to normal.

TTFN

Hugh.

Posted 28th April 2020

Greetings folks,

A quick thank you to all those who have already sent us their completed User Evidence Form/s and map/s for Broadway & Bull Tor lanes plus the adjacent route of New Lane at Priestcliffe (Taddington) see post 5th March below.

Our numbers are impressive but we could benefit from a few more especially from those who used the route during the 1980s, plus any up to 2004. You could have been a rider or passenger or even travelled in a car or 4X4 vehicle.

Part of the problem is that DEFRA has discarded its previous Guidance to Inspectors so there is no real quantitive figure to show presumed dedication by use. Yes, we do have proof of such use but extra numbers would certainly assist to prove one of our points.

Please complete two forms (click here (you need to print this twice one for Broadway/Bull Torr and one for New Lane) and here) and send them direct to our coordinator team; ue_Derbyshire@glass-UK.org

TTFN

Hugh

Posted 5th March 2020

Greetings,

In 2004 a fellow motorcyclist submitted a Definitive Map Modification Order to have New Lane, Priestcliffe classified as a BOAT. This claim is now being processed by Derbyshire County Council (DCC).

I have attached a blank copy of DCC's PDF User Evidence Form (click here) plus their click for relevant map (click here).

If you have driven/ridden this route pre 2004, then please download and complete the forms, saving a master copy for your records, don't forget to highlight colour your route on to the map plus sign and date it too. Perhaps you may know of somebody else who rode the route but has now ceased to be active, if so please get them to record their use back then too.

Just so that our Team can correlate the submissions into a single batch please send your documents not to DCC but to;

derbyshire.rep@glass-uk.org

TTFN

Hugh