The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will take over the Roaches. Photo: Peak District National Park Authority

Britain’s biggest walkers’ charity has welcomed the decision to place a popular climbing and walking area into the care of a conservation trust.

The Peak District National Park Authority announced earlier this week it would award a 125-year lease on the Roaches to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

The national park took the decision to divest itself of care of various sites in the wake of coalition Governments cuts of 29 per cent in its budget.

Three organisations put in bids to take over the area, with the National Trust and the Land Trust being beaten by the Staffordshire group.

Graham Rothery Area Chairman of Staffordshire Ramblers said: “I am delighted at the choice of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to manage the Roaches.

“The Roaches are a very important local and national resource and a very popular place to walk, climb and just take in the fantastic views of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire Peak District.

“Staffordshire Ramblers have given support to the plans of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and expect to provide guidance and lead on support for development of walking routes, local information and helping keep access to walkers high on any agenda.

“What is clear with this route to long term preservation of public land is that we have an important role to play to ensure that local people will be consulted and have the opportunity to join in working parties and be part of a future for the Roaches, for all to enjoy.”

The British Mountaineering Council which, in addition to representing rockclimbers using crags at Hen Cloud, the Roaches, the Five Clouds, the Roaches Skyline, Back Forrest and Ludds Church, separately leases the Don Whillans memorial hut at Rockhall Cottage, said its preferred bidder was the National Trust.

The Roaches became access land, following years of campaigning by the Ramblers, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act that granted the public the right to roam freely on parts of the estate.

The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, which is due to take on the lease in 2013, has listed access to walkers and others as a priority and the Ramblers said they are keen to see continued emphasis on access and footpaths as the terms of the lease are agreed.

The Peak authority has also stated its intention to find an organisation to run the North Lees estate, which includes Stanage Edge, another popular rockclimbing venue.