Author Mark Reid, left, with Peak District national park ranger Terry Page as the path is constructed by volunteer helpers from the Oldham and Rochdale Groundwork TrustWheelchair users and families with pushchairs will find the going easier on a Peak District path, thanks to a guide-book author.

Author Mark Reid, left, with Peak District national park ranger Terry Page as the path is constructed by volunteer helpers from the Oldham and Rochdale Groundwork Trust

Mark Reid donated part of the profits of one of his walking books to a project at Upper Burbage, which is extending an easy-access path enabling people to enjoy the Peak countryside who might otherwise be unable to access it.

Mr Reid handed over £250 to national-park ranger Terry Page at the project. The Peak authority will match the author’s donation. The path, near Hathersage, runs between Upper Burbage Bridge and Toad’s Mouth. It is being constructed with the help of volunteers who include the Oldham and Rochdale Groundwork Trust.

The new path has a kissing-gate which can be opened by RADAR key for wheelchairs.

Mr Reid said: “My Walking Weekends: Peak District guidebook enables people to discover these stunning landscapes and beautiful villages in an environmentally friendly way. It’s great that I can share some of its success with local conservation projects.

“All my Walking Weekends and Inn Way books feature this payback scheme. To date my books have raised £1,450 for conservation projects throughout northern England, including £500 for the Peak District National Park.

“By buying these books and going on any of the walks, you are not only benefiting from the exercise, fresh air and wonderful landscapes but you are also making a positive contribution to the future of our national parks.”

Mr Page said: “We’re very grateful for Mark's donation, which the national park authority has matched, to enable the extension of an easy-access path on the two-mile stretch between Upper Burbage Bridge and Toad’s Mouth.

“It will give people in wheelchairs or families with pushchairs the opportunity to experience a moorland landscape which they would otherwise be unable to have.”

The nearest car parks to the path are Burbage North on Ringinglow Road, or at Toad’s Mouth on the A6187 Hathersage Road. Bus service 272, from Sheffield to Hope Valley, or the 284, on Sundays and bank holidays, May to September, give access to the path.