In reply to balmybaldwin:
> (In reply to ChrisJD)
>
> Having riden in the peak for the first time in a while a few weeks ago, I was shocked at how widespread this practise is. Stanage Causway is reduced to a 100m of interesting track, the rest is just boring gravel. Clough lane has been done as well (near winster/Darley Dale) in exactly the same way as Wigley Lane.
It was for forestry work that the track between Redmires and Stanage Pole was changed.
I do like my challenging mountain biking, but walkers who aren't so keen on rough terrain and other users need thinking of as well. I can remember talking to a physio about the track up to Stanage Pole, and she mentioned being pleased that it'd been made smoother because it made walking up their more pleasant. At the time I was annoyed about it being less challenging, and still wish it was a little bit.
I suppose in the bigger picture there are trail centres to go to for technical challenges which will stay challenging, and what we want from tracks is always going to have to be in balance with what other users want.