The hikes in Peak District are very overrun with tourists, so the mountains are eroded and residents are working on foul ritters. Mam Toh of Derbyshire’s Hope Valley was beginning to erode under a huge number of pedestrians, and helicopters had to be used to fly through the soil for repairs.
Residents in the area have raised concerns about dangerous parking, speeding, garbage, fouling and vandalism, and he even reported encountering human waste on the trail. Its popularity puts pressure on mountain rescues as it had the most call-outs in the Peak district. The service was required 77 times in 2024, but the hike required 50 for the same period.
Ed Proctor told the BBC when he moved to the area in 2012, it was much quieter than it is now.
He explained: “We now have evidence and know that almost a million people walk Mam Tor every year, which is incredible.
The National Trust established the people in Mam Tor more than a year ago.
Ed added that village volunteers pick up trash every week and come back with a bag full of waste containing discarded dog trash bags, “I’ve come across human poop before.”
They believe that popularity began during lockdowns where people were portrayed to explore outdoors that have been exacerbated by Tiktok influencers sharing hiking online.
Mam Tor is considered a relatively easy and accessible hike, meaning the car park is very close to the summit.
Residents have created Facebook groups related to Castleton to gather and report issues to local governments.
The National Trust is currently working with the Peak District National Park Service, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Police and High Peak MP John Pierce to develop plans to reduce the impact of visitors.
Craig Best, general manager of the National Trust Peak District Portfolio, believes that parking capacity needs will increase, restrictions must be in place to prevent dangerous road parking, and visitors should be encouraged to park properly through social media.
He said: “Make a backup plan and think about other parts of Peak District. There are so many places in Peak District that we visit and have great walks.
