Peak District photographer's fundraising campaign helps to improve access to iconic park viewpoint

One of the finest views in the Peak District National Park has been opened up to more people thanks to a repair job part-funded by a well known park photographer.
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A dilapidated ladder stile near Winnats Pass has been replaced with a new stock-proof gate, following a donation organised by Wesley Kristopher Chambers, a photography ambassador for the website Let’s Go Peak District.

Wesley launched an online crowdfunding campaign last year as a way to give something back to park users who helped rescue him after a fall.

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He said: “Winnats is one of my favourite places. It’s popular with photographers, hikers, cyclists, tourists and Instagrammers and is world famous for the road winding through the deep gorge.

The new gate overlooks the spectacular scenery around Winnats Pass.The new gate overlooks the spectacular scenery around Winnats Pass.
The new gate overlooks the spectacular scenery around Winnats Pass.

“The path near the top has, I believe, one of the most iconic views in the Peak District. With the tops of the gorge, Hope Valley and its cement factory in the distance, it just stirs up good feelings.”

He added: “The stile was likely to collapse, making an accessible route impassable and quite dangerous as there's barbed wire. It prevented a lot of people who enjoy walking here from seeing the amazing views.”

The money was donated to the Peak District National Park Foundation and work then carried out by the park authority with the National Trust and tenant farmers.

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Mike Rhodes, the park’s access and rights of way manager, added: “Ladder stiles are tricky to scramble over so when it comes to replacement we usually use gates. The result is greatly improved access to this stunning location.”

How the ladder stile looked before.How the ladder stile looked before.
How the ladder stile looked before.
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National Trust general manager Jon Stewart said: “I share Wesley’s feelings about the majesty of Winnats Pass, one of the many parts of the Peak District our charity cares for. Greater accessibility is a key aim for us and we really appreciate the contributions people have made.”

After raising more than £1,000, Wesley also made donations to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Edale Mountain Rescue and the foundation’s #70kfor70 campaign to fund wider conservation work.

The foundation has recently launched a sponsorship scheme to fund work on 1,300 miles of rights of way. For details, see https://bit.ly/2LeWTpz.

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Wesley’s photos can be found on Instagram and Facebook as @PeopleofthePeak.

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