sports
Scrambling, walking and swimming in splendid isolation: 75 years of the UK’s national parks
Our writer first hiked in the Lake District, Eryri and Dartmoor in the 1970s. Their beauty remains unrivalled, but they are more popular than ever. So, here’s how to avoid the crowds
TL;DR
- UK national parks celebrate their 75th anniversary, with a legacy of preservation championed by figures like William Wordsworth.
- Despite challenges and increased popularity, the parks largely retain their natural charm, avoiding excessive development.
- Dartmoor offers unique wild camping and vast heathlands but faces threats to its biodiversity; its wild reputation is cemented by its prison and literature.
- Eryri (Snowdonia) advises avoiding Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for peace, suggesting alternative peaks and scrambling routes, and highlights the successful repurposing of its industrial heritage.
- The Lake District, popularized by Alfred Wainwright's guides, offers classic treks and scrambling routes, with specific recommendations for finding quiet spots.
- Tips for avoiding crowds include exploring less-known fells, checking local advice, and visiting during off-peak times or on less-frequented paths.
- Modern adaptations like paddleboarding and wild swimming coexist with traditional activities, showing the parks' ongoing relevance.