Visitors heading to the Peak District are being urged to consider travelling by train rather than driving, as efforts continue to reduce congestion and pressure on parking areas. The popular national park has experienced problems caused by high numbers of motorists in recent years. Police have previously taken enforcement action against dozens of drivers who parked illegally or left their vehicles along roadsides.
Rail operators promote public transport
Rail operator Northern, tourism organisation Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park Authority are working together to promote public transport as an alternative way for visitors to reach the area. Northern services provide access to several of the Peak District’s best-known attractions and walking destinations. Passengers can travel to Edale for a hike up Mam Tor, explore the countryside around Grindleford or make their way to the spa town of Buxton.
The campaign forms part of celebrations marking 75 years since the Peak District was designated the UK's first national park. To commemorate the anniversary, Northern has named one of its Class 195 trains Peak District 75. The train was officially unveiled at Manchester Piccadilly station during a special ceremony.
Anniversary train and tourism impact
It is expected to carry thousands of passengers over the coming months while operating along the Hope Valley Line through the Peak District. The national park covers approximately 555 square miles and attracts visitors with its distinctive limestone valleys, gritstone landscapes and vast areas of open moorland. An estimated 13 million people visit the Peak District every year, drawn by its walking and outdoor activities as well as its historic towns and villages.
Rail travel has been closely linked to tourism in the region for generations. The arrival of new railway lines during the 19th century helped make the Peak District more accessible and contributed to a significant increase in tourism. Although several former railway lines have since been converted into walking and cycling trails, four passenger routes continue to operate. These provide rail connections into the national park from cities including Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
Support for car-free visits
Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director, said: "The Peak District has become an incredibly popular tourist destination because there's something for everyone, whether they're looking to get out and explore the stunning countryside or enjoy a day in one of the charming towns and villages. Travelling by train is easy, as there are regular services running to stations across the national park, and it saves visitors from sitting in traffic or searching for a parking space."
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, added: "Travelling by train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the Peak District, allowing visitors to leave the car behind, avoid parking pressures and experience our landscapes in a more sustainable way. Northern's services provide easy access to some of our most iconic beauty spots, from the rolling hills around Edale and Mam Tor to the stunning walks and villages of the Hope Valley. We are committed to encouraging more car-free visits and our website is packed with inspiration, including a range of itineraries that can be enjoyed using Northern's services. We're delighted to support this initiative and encourage more visitors to discover the Peak District by rail during this special 75th anniversary year."
A spokesperson for the Peak District National Park Authority said: "It is wonderful that Northern have joined our celebration of the Peak District National Park by naming a train in honour of our 75th anniversary. Our National Park is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, and travelling by train gives visitors the chance to enjoy the beautiful landscape whilst helping to protect it by choosing a greener form of travel."
Northern is the UK's second-largest train operator and runs around 2,650 services each day, serving more than 500 stations across the North of England.
