Archaeologists are now in action carrying out initial investigations on a popular Peak District path.
The work is the very first stage of a proposed project to repair the eroded and damaged surface of the Cutthroat Bridleway on the Moscar Estate.
The route suffers from its popularity. As people inevitably avoid the poor surfaces this has led to a widening of the route, up to 10 metres in some places, which damages plants and disturbs wildlife and can also damage sensitive archaeology.
A series of test pits are being dug by hand along the route to ensure that any proposals put forward for the site take into account and safeguard any archaeology as there are scheduled ancient monuments close to the track.
The bridleway remains open while the investigations are undertaken.
Once the archaeological findings are known they will be used to inform the draft specification for the works which will protect the sites SSSI for years to come.
These proposals will then go out for consultation to user groups and the Local Access Forum who will be invited to comment on what is planned.
The project is being funded by Natural England and Derbyshire County Council and work will be carried out by the Moors for the Future Partnership.
The archaeologists are anticipated to be on site from Mon 25th July for up to 2 weeks.
Please check back to the news section for updates.