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Re: monsal trail. peak district

Well it's a popular routes isn't it, and with a mixture of bikes and walkers, accidents are bound to happen.

The only solution i suppose is to ban one or the other, which i wouldn't want to see happen.

Re: monsal trail. peak district

Billyblue, I had a run in with several bikers back in summer when I was nearly flattened. The speed they were doing was unbelievable considering the number of people walking the trail, old and young. I threatened to wrap the bike round this guys head, and until his mates arrived, he was quite apologetic. One or three of them didn't bother me, I was off on one. I cycle too but with consideration for others. I came off at Monsal and rode to Bakewell and then rejoined further on at Millers Dale on the way back. I'll stay clear I think from now on and walk elsewhere in the Peak, it's too busy for my liking. The Trail on Londendale can be just as bad.

Re: monsal trail. peak district

 Don't forget that it was open fully opened back in the summer (ish), the traffic will die down over time, it's just a fad at the moment

Re: monsal trail. peak district

My husband and I went for a walk on the Monsall Trail in August. Most of the cyclists were OK, but I did have an issue with a few of them not observing the keep left rule and riding 2 or 3 abreast. I heard one particular couple coming up behind us, so I went into single file behind my husband. Next thing, there was a frantic ringing of bike bells as they rode along 2 abreast, giving us very little time to move further off the trail. If they'd been prepared to go into single file like us, there'd have been no need.

The families cycling were brilliant and really considerate of other trail users. It was all a bit too crowded for me, though. I think I'll be sticking to bleak moorland in the future.

Re: monsal trail. peak district

thanks for input guy's. made interesting reading. if we happen to find our selves up on the trail this year, " 2012" the other half has drawn up battle plan's if needed !! have a good year--cheer's====

Re: monsal trail. peak district

 I'm a walker first and foremost but do like a bit of a bike ride now and then...

While we were at the Alpkit Big Shakeout in October, we decided to have I ride along the Monsal Trail as it was right next to the campsite.

It is clearly marked as a multi purpose trail and when there were clear stretches, it was good to get the head down and get some speed going.  Unfortunately, on the busier sections, even travelling a lot more slowly and considerately, we encountered at least six people who DELIBERATELY stepped in front of us at the last minute and one bloke even shoved a pushchair complete with small child on board into my path and laughed in my face as I had to take evasive action.

I can assure you that we weren't speeding or doing anything dangerous as these things happened!  Maybe it is some kind of underground movement to get revenge on those bikers who are less considerate but it was certainly bloody dangerous!

A "cyclepath" clearly marked down one side might be a good idea with signs advising walkers to keep clear of it??

I'm sure that most reading this would be happy to share the trail for any purpose in an amicable fashion but there are always going to be a few idiots in all camps that want to screw it up for others!

Just my twopenneth

Graeme

Re: monsal trail. peak district

 I have done the Monsal Trail for years both through the tunnels before they blocked them up for health and safety reasons and since and also over the top of the tunnels. I would have to say the best walk of all of them is over the top the views are great. I have also cycled it with work colleagues as a group day out thing and with my 2 young sons always in the week, i have on all recent visits come across a minority of cyclists who insist on speeding along intent on beating their last time and they dont give a monkeys about walkers, runners or other cyclists. I have also come across people who dont bother to be aware that it is a multi use track and let their dogs and kids run loose. I did come across a gentlemen on a bike on Monsal head viaduct who cycling normally literally threw his bike down damageing it in the process and dived for a young child about 2 or 3 years old who was about to go over the top of the bridge rail with his parents about 50 yards in front oblivious to what was going on. When they looked back all they could see was their son with a strange man and they tried to give him what for accusing him of all sorts. Luckily i had witnessed it all as i was just behind him on my bike with my son's and butted in to stop the kids dad trying to punch the cyclist. Did they say thanks, not likely they shouted a few choice words which my now 6 year old promptly repeated to his mum on our return and carried on walking. Lucky i saw what happened and was there to stop an assault and also helped the hero to repair the gears on his bike. Hopefully things will quiten down as people tick it off their lists of new things to do.

RE: monsal trail. peak district

hi geno, the wife and i always walk as a couple, and have found that "some" of these large group of walker's want all the trail! but as i said before, one rotten apple does not make the rest bad.the great outdoor's is ment for ever body to enjoy!==cheer's==billyblue

RE: monsal trail. peak district

thats the way to do it "richyf" my Mrs just give's them the evil eye!! myself, i just stare into the un-known? ;-))