Thousands of pounds injected into Sheffield Peak District walk

Friends of the Peak District has received the money from the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop the Boundary Walk in the parishes of Bradfield and Stocksbridge, raising awareness of it and the benefits it brings.

The walk is a 200-mile route around the edge of the Peak District National Park. Two of the 20 stages are in the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership area, stretching from Langsett to Ringinglow, via Low Bradfield, Midhope, Agden and Redmires reservoirs.

Friends of the Peak District developed the Boundary Walk, launched in 2017, in a bid to help people understand and appreciate the park’s natural beauty and encourage them to cherish and protect it.

As part of the grant, the Friends will engage with local residents and community groups to encourage them to explore the Boundary Walk and enjoy and appreciate their countryside.

The Friends will also connect with businesses along the route to help them benefit from welcoming walkers to the area, once the coronavirus lockdown is over.

In addition, the project will provide volunteering opportunities for people in the region to get together and gain new skills.

Volunteers will help the Friends to monitor and maintain the route and become local ambassadors for the walk.

Julie Gough, Friends fundraising and marketing co-ordinator, said: “We’re delighted to be able to develop the Peak District Boundary Walk in the Sheffield Lakeland Area.

“We hope that by getting involved with the project, residents and businesses in the region will feel more connected to the walk and its diverse and unique landscape, and ultimately with their local countryside – learning about it, caring about it and helping to protect it.

“Spending time outdoors is still a great way to look after your mental and physical health and wellbeing.”

The Friends want to hear from anyone who would like to get involved – email [email protected] – and for more about the walk, see friendsofthepeak.org/boundary-walk