Dovedale Stepping Stones in the Peak District, a beloved tourist destination less than 90 minutes from Birmingham, has been branded a 'no-go zone' by some visitors due to litter, rude behaviour, and even physical altercations. The site, managed by the National Trust, has seen increasing reports of anti-social behaviour in recent years, prompting a visit from Derbyshire Live to assess the situation.
Reports of Litter and Brawls
In July 2024, a brawl broke out between two groups of walkers after a child had been 'hit', according to reports. Last year, the National Trust urged visitors to take their rubbish home after volunteers cleared bags of waste following a busy spell. On a recent hot Saturday during a heatwave, the site was overrun with tourists, with the overflow car park already in use and queues forming at the £6 parking machine. The toilets cost 50p, and one visitor forced the door open, causing it to jam.
Visitor Experiences
Despite the calm and picturesque path leading to the stepping stones, the area quickly became congested, with a five-minute queue to cross. One woman, who preferred not to be named, said: 'It’s the same whenever you come, people will just keep crossing the stones without any regard for those on the other side. I’ve not been here for a few years, partly because of that. I wouldn’t come here at all if my kids didn’t love it so much. It attracts the wrong crowd. Ninety per cent of people know how to act, but the other ten per cent can make it miserable for the rest of us.'
Litter and Lost Respect
Lucy Hartley, 44, from Derby, noted that the litter, including cans, wrappers, and an empty pack of shuttlecocks, was 'nothing like what you see on weekends.' She added: 'I’ve been here before and seen people with barbecues, which are banned, and then they'll pack up and leave all their rubbish behind. People have lost respect for the countryside. It’s always been busy here, but it’s ridiculous nowadays. We could do with some rangers to keep an eye on people. They would make a killing from fines, and it might stop people from treating Dovedale like c**p. Until then, it's going to get worse.'
Long-time Visitors Disillusioned
Derek Brayford, 72, from nearby Leek, said: 'The place has become a no-go zone when it's really hot. We're only here today because we saw there was a chance of rain, but it's still mayhem. The car park is chaotic and full of terrible drivers pushing in and honking horns, and the litter and attitude of some people is shocking. We used to come with our kids and grandkids, but the last few years, it has really lost its way. This has always been the best attraction in the area, maybe in the whole of the Peak District, but it's too far gone. People still come, but they don't respect it. They should just tape it off if it carries on.'
