The effect of resurfacing the Pennine Way on recreational use of blanket bog in the Peak District National Park, England Original Research Article

The effects on the level of recreational disturbance of resurfacing a stretch of the Pennine Way have been quantified. Resurfacing appears to have resulted in a two fold increase in the number of visitors using the improved stretch of the Pennine Way. Following resurfacing, 3·8% of walkers strayed from the path, compared to over 30% before the footpath was altered. Thus, despite the increased pressure along the route of the footpath, the overall level of recreational disturbance to the surrounding moorlands has fallen dramatically. The pattern of use throughout the day and the season, and the extent to which poorly supervised dogs accompany the walkers, have changed little, compared with a previous survey. The implications of this successful management of disturbance along the Pennine Way for other sensitive areas are discussed.