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MANAGEMENT PLAN
In 1976 a Plan was drawn up to try and identify the main problems and do something about them. Much has been achieved through co-operation between the various landowners.
- Car parking was becoming unsightly and causing congestion and damage to the ground:
By 1991 car parking on the prominent slopes of Bunster Hill had been removed. The main car park at Dovedale (205 spaces) had been landscaped. An overflow car park (190 spaces) had been provided at the foot of the hill. A new car park at Milldale (60 spaces) had been provided. Parking arrangements at Thorpe, Ilam and Blore Pastures had been improved.
- The footpath along the river from the Stepping Stones to Hartington had become eroded and muddy:
By 1991 the whole of this footpath from the Stepping Stones through Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale had been repaired to provide a firm and long-lasting surface for walkers.
- Both Bunster Hill and Thorpe Cloud had serious erosion problems:
By 1991 areas of Bunster Hill suffering from erosion had been restored.
The foot of Thorpe Cloud had been fenced to stop visitors scrambling up the hillside.
- Facilities for staying visitors were good, with Youth Hostels at Illam and Hartington as well as camp and caravan sites at Wetton and Alstonefield, but facilities for day visitors were limited:
By 1991 toilets at Dovedale had been improved and provided facilities for the disabled. Further toilet facilities had been provided.
A footpath from the coach layby to the car park has been constructed so that people can avoid the road.
The road beyond the car park has been closed to traffic and is now suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
