South Yorkshire and North-East Derbyshire Ramblers

Celebrating 75 Years of the Peak District National Park

 
UK National Parks were established after the Second World War, following many years of campaigning. Groups such as the Ramblers played a crucial role in fighting for public access to the countryside, much of which had been privately owned.
 
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A defining moment in this campaign was the Kinder Scout trespass in 1932, when walkers protested for the right to roam. This movement ultimately led to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, which set out the framework for creating National Parks. The Act sought to protect important natural landscapes while ensuring they remained accessible for public enjoyment.
 
 
The first National Park to be created was the Peak District National Park. All Ramblers groups in the South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire (SYNED) area regularly enjoy walking within its boundaries.
The Peak District National Park was formally established on 17 April 1951, meaning that 2026 marks its 75th anniversary. Two SYNED area Sheffield groups celebrated on the actual anniversary date with special evening events.
 
 
Sheffield 20s and 30s marked the occasion with a short walk followed by a picnic at Longshaw Estate in the Peak District.
 picnic
 
Meanwhile, Sheffield Millennials highlighted how close Sheffield is to the National Park by walking from Hillsborough out into the Peak District. Their route followed the Loxley Valley to the Peak District Boundary Stone. As the sun set over Dam Flask, they continued around Forge Dam before finishing at the Plough, where they toasted the Peak District National Park.
 
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There is still plenty of time throughout 2026 to continue celebrating the Peak District’s 75th anniversary. SYNED groups will be venturing into the Peak District many times over the coming months—see the walk programme Walks Programme for full details.
 
The Peak District remained the only National Park until 13 August 1951, when the Lake District National Park was designated. The Lake District, Snowdonia and Dartmoor National Parks are also celebrating their 75th anniversaries this year.
National Park Designation Dates
  • Peak District: 17 April 1951
  • Lake District: 13 August 1951
  • Snowdonia: 18 October 1951
  • Dartmoor: 30 October 1951
  • Pembrokeshire Coast: 29 February 1952
  • North York Moors: 28 November 1952
  • Yorkshire Dales: 16 November 1954
  • Exmoor: 19 October 1954
  • Northumberland: 6 April 1956
  • Brecon Beacons: 17 April 1957
  • The Broads: 1989 (granted equivalent status to National Parks)
  • New Forest: 1 March 2005
  • South Downs: 31 March 2010

Celebrating the Roots of Rambling at Sheffield Station

 

On Sunday 25 January 2026, a group of walkers gathered at Sheffield Station to commemorate the birthplace of what is now Ramblers GB. The occasion marked the significance of a new plaque, which recognises the pivotal role of G. H. B. Ward. In September 1900, Ward organised a group of walkers to meet at the station before travelling by train to Edale to climb Kinder Scout. From this memorable outing, the Clarion Ramblers – the first working-class walking group – were formed.

The 2026 commemorative walk brought together a special group of participants, including Simon  Timperley, the great-grandson of G. H. B. Ward, Terry Howard and Dave Sissons, two of the authors of The Clarion Call, alongside former Clarion Ramblers and current members of Ramblers GB.

At the station, Terry Howard outlined the inspiring history of the Clarion Ramblers before leading the group into the city centre to explore Sheffield’s rich walking heritage. The heritage walk included Victoria Hall, once a common meeting place for both the Clarion and Sheffield Ramblers, the plaque at the Town Hall commemorating the 1928 mass rally for access rights at Winnats Pass, and the Peace Gardens.

As the walk progressed, participants exchanged stories and memories, celebrating both the city’s walking heritage and the enduring legacy of the right to roam.

South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire Ramblers Contribution to Cressbrook Bridge

 

The crossing over the River Wye at Cressbrook mill is a popular crossing for walkers and climbers ,because it links a number of villages with the Monsal Trial. In 2020 the orignal bridge was condemmed. Repairs could not be funded by local councils because the bridge is part of a concessionary footpath rather than a right of way. It was out of action for 4 years causing headaches for walk planning and large diversions.

Peak District Foundation cordinated fundraising to replace the bridge. Money was donated by many indviduals and groups.

At the South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire January 2024 AGM it was agreed to donate some of the money (ÂŁ5000) from the Ivy Cohen legacy fund. The Ramblers had been left this money by Ivy Cohen to encourage walking in the local area.

On Monday 9th Dcember the new bridge was opened. The new bridge consists of more than 26, 000 recycled bottles. It is expected to have a lifespaan of 120 years so our groups are looking forward to using it and seeing future generations of Ramblers use it to.

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Picture: first of hopefully many SYNED Ramblers (Sheffield Ramblers) using the new Cressbrook bridge

SYNED RAMBLERS AREA AGM

SYNED RAMBLERS AREA AGM


Saturday January 17th 2026      Starting at 2pm


Herringthorpe United Reformed Church,
Wickersley Road, Rotherham S60 4JN

 

Area AGM Agenda 2026

Area Annual Report 2026

Heritage Fair and New Plaque

plaque
 
SYNED Rambler’s will have a stall at Sheffield Heritage Festival in the Millennium galleries Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January.
 

We have a Special Heritage Festival discount valid until March 2026 to give new members 10% off membership: 

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Use it to join here 

Join the Ramblers 

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Join the Ramblers

Join the Ramblers today

 

Celebrate with us 🥳 | Sunday 25 January

Join us to mark the beginnings of the Clarion Ramblers and celebrate Sheffield — the #OutdoorCity.

đź“Ť Sheffield Station foyer

🕙 10:00–10:15

We’ll gather to view the new plaque, commemorating the very first Clarion Ramblers meeting, held here in September 1900. From this station, walkers travelled by train to Edale to climb Kinder Scout — the moment that began the journey of what is now @ramblersgb.

From there, we’ll take a short heritage walk through Sheffield, visiting:

• Victoria Hall, a key meeting place in the campaign for access to the Peaks

• Upper Chapel, attended by several access campaigners

• Sheffield Town Hall, to view one of the three access plaques honouring Access and Peak District National Park campaigners

• Peace Gardens, stopping at a plaque commemorating a walker involved in the 1932 Kinder Trespass and the Abbey Brook Trespass

We’ll finish at the Millennium Gallery by 11:00 for the opening of the Sheffield Heritage Festival @sheffmuseums.