The Kinder Scout Mass Trespass

24th of April 1932 is perhaps one of the most significant dates in the history of the Peak District.

Hundreds of hikers convened at the Kinder Plateau to highlight the lack of open access to the countryside. Despite a lack of support from officials, the ripple effect and subsequent results would go on to not only be supported but championed across the UK, leading to the creation of National Parks for everyone to enjoy.

1932

Bleaklow

Three weeks before the mass trespass event, a small group of walkers with the British Workers’ Sport Federation (BWSF) had been rambling over Bleaklow when they were confronted and turned away by gamekeepers.

Frustrations of their day cut short were exacerbated by the lack of progress made by the more official ramblers’ federations in gaining the right to roam and enjoy the countryside without fear of confrontation.

Mass trespass

Mass Trespass

At William Clough, they were confronted by gamekeepers but not deterred. Scuffles broke out but they managed to continue up to the plateau where they met up with a group of supporting Sheffield based ramblers who had started in Edale. Upon reaching Sandy Heys on the edge of the plateau, and the walkers from the east, it was agreed they could head back towards Hayfield with their heads held high. On arriving in the village, they were greeted by policemen, still there, accompanied by the gamekeepers.

In total, six people were arrested and charged: John Anderson (21), Julius Clyne (23), Arthur Walter Gillett (19), Harry Mendel (22), David Nussbaum (19) and Benny Rothman (20). Despite public support for those arrested, Harry Mendel was the only one to be discharged while the others were jailed with varying sentences from two to six months. These harsh punishments garnered considerable compassion from communities far and wide, ironically accumulating support for the cause.

Perhaps notably, official rambling associations did not support the protest. In particular, The Manchester District Ramblers Federation and The Stockport Group of the Holiday Fellowship actively distanced themselves from what they considered to be "organised hooliganism".

What did it achieve?

While agreements were negotiated with the landowners in quick succession they still excluded large areas until the passing of the Countryside and Rights Of Way (CRoW) Act in the year 2000. The CRoW Act allows those on foot access to areas of open land, in particular: mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land, while also safeguarding the needs of landowners, occupiers, wildlife and the land itself to help ensure regeneration.

Today, there are 15 National Parks in the UK covering approximately 22,660 square kilometres and our staff and customers love having the freedom to explore every one of them.