Remembering Kinder Scout Trespass

Tuesday 24th April marked the 80th anniversary of the Kinder Scout mass trespass – a historic event which saw hundreds of people risk imprisonment to walk up Kinder Scout in a bid to open up the countryside for all.

Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh MP joined Ramblers at Parliament to pay tribute to those historic trail blazers, commemorate the achievements of the outdoor movement over the last 8 decades and look ahead at the challenges we still face to make Britain the most walking friendly nation in the world.

In April 1932, much of the countryside in England and Wales was closed off to the public. 80 years after this landmark protest, the Ramblers has won the ‘right to roam’, helped to create National Parks and long distance trails but the journey to open up the countryside continues.

Mary said: “The trespass at Kinder Scout in 1932 was the start of a movement that led to the creation of the National Parks and the ‘right to roam’ which Labour legislated for in our landmark Countryside and Rights of Way Act in 2000.

“The Conservatives are now backpedalling on Labour’s vision for a walking route around England’s coast. The struggle for access continues and we must keep up the pressure on the government to deliver a coastal path network for all to enjoy.”

Nicky Philpott, Ramblers Director of Campaigns and Policy, said: “Since the mass trespass on Kinder Scout 80 years ago, people are now free to roam over large swathes of our countryside; we’ve helped to create National Parks, a properly recorded network of footpaths and in May we’ll see the launch of the Wales Coast Path – a world first.

“But the journey those trespassers started is far from over. Our countryside combines rugged mountains and rolling fields, magical forests and meandering waterways and it is sad that not all of these scenic sites can be shared by everyone.

“Ensure that the spirit of the trespassers lives on; join us in our campaign to open up the countryside and make Britain the most walker-friendly nation in the world.”