Paralympic cyclist joins Peak District charity ride

Fundraising cyclists from The Camping and Caravan Club were joined by Paralympic triple gold medalist Anthony Kappes and Visit Peak District and Derbyshire CEO David James at Chatsworth House at the start of the Derbyshire leg of a sponsored 420 mile ride

The triple gold medal winner joined Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s Chief Executive David James to cycle 53 miles alongside fundraisers from the Camping and Caravanning Club.

The group started out from Chatsworth House, taking in Grindleford, Hathersage, Castleton, Blue John Cavern, Peveril Castle, Winnats Pass, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Hayfield and Glossop.

The Derbyshire leg was the fourth stage of a six-day, 420-mile cycle-camp challenge, with the riders raising money for Sustrans, a charity campaigning for alternative methods of transport including bike, foot and public transport.

Anthony said: “I grew up on the fringe of the Peak District, and discovered a sport that has given me a lot of pleasure over the years here.

“It’s an excellent place to cycle, on everything from relaxing trails and quiet roads to more demanding upland routes, and it was a great pleasure to ride alongside the Camping and Caravanning Club team on its journey through some of the most varied and beautiful scenery in the country.”

Mr James added: “Cycling is a great way to appreciate and enjoy some of the area’s classic landscapes and attractions as part of a relaxing and revitalising short break.”

The cycle-camp challenge began on Sunday at Wantage in Oxfordshire, and will finish in Scarborough on Friday.

It celebrates National Camping and Caravanning Week, which is now in its 14th year.

For more information on the cycle-camp challenge, visit www.clubchallenge2014.co.uk.