Getting out into the Derbyshire countryside has just become a lot easier thanks to work by rangers and volunteers in the Peak District National Park. Along a 2km stretch of the Dane Valley Way, old wooden stiles have been replaced with accessible gates — making the route far more welcoming for walkers of all ages and abilities.
The improvements are part of a popular 6km circular trail that takes in the spectacular Luds Church, a dramatic chasm steeped in history and legend.
Why it matters
For many walkers, stiles are simply part of the countryside experience. But for others, they can be a barrier. Parents with pushchairs, older walkers with limited mobility, people recovering from injury, or those who simply find climbing awkward, often avoid routes with stiles altogether.
The new gates mean more people can enjoy the Peak District without worrying about tricky obstacles. The project also benefits schools and charities, giving disadvantaged children and young people easier access to nature as an outdoor classroom.
More improvements on the way
Next, the National Park team will be resurfacing sections of the footpath, removing broken steps, and installing new boardwalks. These changes will not only make walking easier, but also help protect the fragile habitats that surround the trails. Funding for the work has come from the Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust.
A wider question for Derbyshire
If this project is such a success in the Dane Valley, should we be looking at similar upgrades elsewhere in Derbyshire? While many love the tradition of stiles, others argue that accessible gates open up the countryside to more people — without spoiling the character of the landscape.
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What do you think?
• Should more stiles across Derbyshire be replaced with gates?
• Or do you feel stiles are part of the county’s heritage that should remain?
• Would this make you more likely to get out walking with family and friends?
Share your thoughts — and tell us whether you’d like to see this scheme rolled out in your part of Derbyshire.
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