Peak District 'crisis' as beauty spot crumbling away due to too many tourists

One of Britain's most popular beauty spots is undergoing urgent repairs, as the sheer volume of visitors has caused soil erosion.

Supplies had to be airlifted to the top of Mam Tor near Castleton in the Peak District, in a repair job that will take several years to complete, according to

This year alone, around 700,000 tourists have descended on the gorgeous hilltop. The site, which was already prone to landslips, has seen its ancient banks degraded due to the heavy footfall.

Such has been the frequency of Mam Tor's landslips that the hill is colloquially known as Shivering Mountain.

The site is a critical archaeological spot, occupied by settlers for thousands of years during the Bronze and Iron Ages. It was desirable for settlers due to its hilltop position.

Chris Lockyer, area ranger for National Trust in the High Peak, said: "It is exciting to see the materials being delivered to the areas we need them to allow us to continue the process of restoring the land to the state it was in before the erosion happened.

"It is vital we carry out this work to protect this scheduled monument and to ensure we can play our part in ensuring future generations can enjoy it."

Repairs will be made to the worn footpaths, to encourage hikers to avoid the precious earthworks, known as ramparts.

The area is particularly popular with walkers ascending the hill during the morning and evening, to catch the sun rising or setting.

During these periods of the day, the beauty of the site is simply breathtaking.