Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Peak District - October 2004
Purpose: To review and record state of pathways
Adam Lewis, Sam Johnson, Chris Gallant & Sam Coe
44th Gloucester (STRS) Explorer Scout Unit
The Effect of Tourism in the Peak District
The Dark Peaks
Introduction
This presentation is based on our Gold Expedition which we undertook during the half-term break.
We completed a 50 mile walk over four days in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District.
The aim of our expedition was to look at how tourism has impacted on the Peak District, particularly from the perspective of the walker/rambler.
Footpath Erosion
One of the largest, and most visible impacts is footpath erosion.
There was evidence of erosion, even in the remotest parts of our walk.
The following photos illustrate the effect that walkers have had on the footpaths.
Footpath Erosion ... 1
Footpath Erosion ... 2
Footpath Erosion ... 3
Footpath Erosion ... 4
Footpath Erosion ... 5
Footpath Erosion ... 6
Footpath Erosion ... 7
Footpath Erosion - Control Measures
These photos clearly show the destruction to footpaths that is caused by overuse from tourists and D of E walkers!
However, some preventative measures are being introduced to reduce the impact on the area, such as re-diverting paths.
Traffic
The average annual number of visitors to the Peak District is in between 16.2 and 20 million.
Over 90% of these people arrive by car.
The pollution caused by these vehicles is astounding.
The following slide shows the average daily traffic flow through traffic hotspots in the Peak District.
Average Daily Traffic Flow
Traffic Issues
As you can see, some areas have a daily through traffic level of 10,000 cars which in
a small area is rather excessive.
The noise, visual and air pollution caused by this traffic is all too obvious and it was quite nice to escape from it, high up on some of the peaks.
Most nights, we were camped right next to main roads, and the volume of traffic is unbelievable, even during the night, as the roads are used for heavy load transportation.
Damage to Farmland
The trampling of grass crops reduces the amount of winter feed for farm animals.
Walkers who stray from footpaths often climb over the drystone walls rather than looking out for the stiles which mark the course of the footpaths across farmland.
Livestock can injure themselves if gates are left open, allowing them to stray.
Many sheep are injured and even killed by dogs who are not under proper control or supervision.
Other Photos ...
"Home" for the first night -
on some gravel hard standing (ouch).
Mind you, breakfast was good!
More photos ...
Happy Chris - now the pizzas have arrived!
Some more photos ...
Tranquil Waters
Yet more photos ...
Even more photos ...
Meal time!
(Courtesy the D of E Fairy!)
Another dam photo!
Home stitched panoramic view of the dam
Nearly at the end ...
Our DofE Assessor - Keith!
Ho! Ho! Ho!