The Peak & Northern Footpath Society has recently become aware of a number of unauthorized way-marks which have been appearing around our area, initially in the Goyt Valley and more recently near Marple. We suspect that they are been put up by one of the off-road motoring organisations in order to encourage use of the way-marked lanes. This is an eMail we received form Dave Jenkins, a Peak Park ranger: "Recently myself and other Peak Park rangers have noticed the appearance of new byway signs (white disc, red arrow and word byway - see photo attached) on various tracks in the Goyt valley. These tracks are defined on OS maps by green dots. In other words they do not have a formal designation on the definitive maps. We have not put up these signs either as agents of the Highway Authority nor as contracted Rangers with the landowner United Utilities. One of my colleagues has discussed this with a Derbyshire Highway Authority officer, who confirms that their staff have not erected these signs either. The area Ranger for the Goyt is in discussion with our footpath officer and other area Rangers on this matter.
My assumption is that these signs are being erected by an organisation connected with motorised vehicles. I also feel that this has some connection with the preparation for the new definitive map in 2020, although I have no evidence to prove this.
I feel this information could be of use to the Society and may need monitoring in other areas."
If you come across any of these way-marks in your walks could you let the Society know directly by phoning 0161 480 3565 and leaving a message or by emailing
Unexplained Waymark Sign photo
