Le lieu de beauté du Peak District est "assiégé" par des hordes de randonneurs qui "laissent des déchets", font des barbecues et obstruent les routes.

The Peak District’s iconic Dovedale stepping stones, a beloved natural attraction known for its scenic views and historic charm, are facing growing pressure from an influx of visitors. Locals and conservationists have raised concerns over the increasing number of day trippers flocking to the site, which they say are disrupting the tranquil atmosphere and contributing to environmental degradation. The situation has intensified in recent months, with reports indicating that the popularity of the stepping stones has surged due to increased exposure on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. These social media channels have brought attention to the area, drawing in large crowds from cities including Birmingham, Manchester, and London. Farmer Barry Frith, who has resided within half a mile of the stones since 1960, described the phenomenon as overwhelming. “They bring everything with them except the kitchen sink,” he said, highlighting the extent of the problem. He noted that during the pandemic, the area became particularly congested, with vehicles parking along roads and obstructing access for residents. Local authorities reportedly failed to intervene effectively, prompting the community to erect temporary barriers to manage traffic. The National Trust-managed car park, which charges £6 per entry, becomes nearly full by midday on weekdays. Visitors include families, school groups, and dog walkers, creating long lines as only one person at a time can cross the narrow stepping stones. Despite clear signage prohibiting activities such as barbecuing, open flames, and cooking, enforcement appears inconsistent. Joel, a staff member at the adjacent ice cream and drinks stall, observed that while many visitors adhere to the rules, others ignore them. “The overflow car park can be full by 10am on busy days,” he said, adding that the area has become a major draw thanks to social media hype. Local residents, including John Roulston, 74, who visited with his grandchildren, expressed frustration over the rising levels of litter. “When I came here a couple of years ago there was litter everywhere,” he recalled. “It gets into the river and damages everything.” While the National Trust employs rangers to clean up litter, they report that much of the waste consists of dog feces, which is not properly disposed of despite the availability of a skip at the car park. One ranger, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the lack of bins in the immediate vicinity leads to irresponsible disposal habits. Despite these complaints, the physical evidence of environmental harm appears limited. During visits, observers noted only minor traces of litter, such as a solitary KitKat wrapper floating in the river. This contrast highlights the challenge of assessing the true scale of the issue. Some long-time visitors, like Peter and his wife Shirley, acknowledge the beauty of the location but lament the disruption caused by a small but vocal minority. “The Rangers speak to them but they just get ignored,” Shirley said. “It’s a beautiful place but a minority can ruin it for everyone.” As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing the preservation of the area’s natural heritage with the demands of modern tourism. With no immediate plans for stricter regulations, the responsibility falls largely on visitors to respect the rules and maintain the integrity of the landscape. For now, the stepping stones remain a symbol of both natural wonder and the challenges posed by an ever-growing tourist industry.