Rude names, railways and a mass trespass – how the Peak District became a tourist attraction

The Peak District was officially designated the UK’s first national park 75 years ago, yet its appeal as a tourist destination dates back much further. Among its oldest draws is the Devil’s Arse, one of four caves in Castleton open to the public. According to John Harrison, director of the site, the name stems from its distinctive sound. “The cave is famously known for producing a sound resembling a loud fart,” he explains. In Victorian times, the name was deemed too crude and was altered to Devil’s Hole, then Peak’s Hole, and eventually Peak Cavern. “When we took it on, it was Peak Cavern,” John says. “We decided to revert to the original, more evocative name.” The cave’s flooding, which causes a bubbling noise akin to flatulence, occurs two to three times annually, though frequency has increased recently.

The Role of Railways in Accessibility

Railways transformed the Peak District’s reach in the 19th century. The Manchester to Sheffield line, opened in 1894, became a key route, offering travelers access to the area’s scenic beauty. “This line allowed visitors from Manchester and Sheffield to explore the Peak District and return home efficiently,” John notes. While the railways expanded leisure opportunities, many parts of the region remained privately owned, restricting public access. Landowners often barred casual ramblers, limiting exploration to those with permission.

A Pivotal Moment: Kinder Scout Mass Trespass

The 1932 Kinder Scout mass trespass marked a turning point in the push for open access. Organized by the British Workers’ Sports Federation, the event targeted moorland reserved for grouse shooting by the Duke of Devonshire. “The goal was to challenge the exclusion of public spaces from leisure use,” reads a historical notice. Over 300 participants entered the area, with five later jailed for unlawful assembly. The protest is frequently cited as a catalyst for roaming rights, though its influence has been debated. “The movement gained traction in the late 1930s and 1940s,” says Debbie Stockwell of National Parks England. “But similar efforts had been ongoing since the early 20th century.” Activists like the Ramblers’ Association and the Youth Hostels Association joined the campaign, inspired by U.S. national parks.

Legislation and the Birth of National Parks

Following World War II, the idea of national parks gained momentum. “Post-war recovery efforts included creating a ‘Natural Health Service’ to promote outdoor spaces,” Debbie explains. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949 laid the groundwork, leading to the first national parks. The Peak District was established on 17 April 1951, followed by the Lake District on 9 May, Eryri (Snowdonia) in October, and Dartmoor by 30 October. However, the right to roam was not an immediate reality. “The 1949 act didn’t grant open access to all land,” says Kate Conto of the Ramblers. “It set the stage, but restrictions remained for years.”