History repeating

The 1932 mass trespass of Kinder Scout was a seminal event in the history of access and walking, and a catalyst for the formation of the Ramblers. This Saturday (24 April 2010), Ramblers will be marking this momentous anniversary with a ‘mass march’ retracing the route of the original trespassers up Kinder Scout.

Hundreds of Ramblers and walking enthusiasts will scale the heights of this historic mountain carrying a special Ramblers banner and baton as part of the Ramblers 75th birthday celebrations. Today we take for granted our right to go out walking but back in the 1930s it was a very different story as Ramblers CEO, Tom Franklin, comments: “When the Ramblers first came into being, much of Britain was out of bounds to walkers including 99% of the Peak District.”

The Kinder Scout mass trespass brought the issue of access to national attention and participants, including some who would later go on to become prominent figures in the Ramblers, were imprisoned for their beliefs. The event was a catalyst for the formation of the Ramblers Association 3 years later. The Kinder Scout marchers’ courageous walk over 70 years ago meant many risked injury and even imprisonment but it lit the torch for responsible freedom to roam for future generations. Millions who can now enjoy our national parks and greater access to the countryside are indebted to the marchers. Tom Franklin, encouraging everyone to take part in the baton walk, said: “Over the past 75 years the Ramblers have lobbied for — and obtained piece-by-piece — legislation to open the countryside up to walkers. Now we’re asking everyone, of all ages and walking levels, to get out, celebrate walking and help us pass on the baton for future generations.”

The baton walk will take place at 10.30 AM, setting off from Hayfield car park, Kinder Scout. For those who do not wish to tackle the heady heights of Kinder’s summit the ‘Get Walking’ team will lead an easier walk, taking in the beautiful scenery surrounding Kinder Scout, so that everyone can  take part in this historic occasion.

This walk is part of a nationwide Baton walks programme, where a special Ramblers birthday baton will travel around Britain throughout 2010. Baton walks will be taking place across the whole of the North East in April, before handing the baton onto Scotland in May. For more information about your nearest baton walk visit: www.ramblers75.org.uk

Main image: Detail from the commemorative plaque of Mass trespass of Kinder Scout at Bowden Bridge Quarry, Hayfield, UK by Marcin Floryan. Historic images: Ramblers