Tourists are increasingly flocking to a Peak District beauty spot to catch the sunrise, with some being branded as “selfish.”
The picturesque Mam Tor near Castleton has become an internet sensation on TikTok and Instagram, attracting visitors in droves who have been arriving early in the morning to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the hills.
With the nearest parking area at Mam Tor quickly reaching capacity, many tourists resort to parking along adjacent roads, leading to congestion and road closures.
Local residents have voiced their concerns about vehicles being haphazardly left on both sides of the road, creating traffic jams and posing safety risks.
The situation escalated when Winnats Pass, a connecting road between Mam Tor and Castleton, was shut down by authorities on Sunday (January 12) over safety worries, as reported by Derbyshire Live.
Derbyshire Police commented that double parking had obstructed the thoroughfare. Those who parked carelessly received fines, while individuals guilty of dangerous parking risked having their cars towed.
A police spokesperson remarked: “If you can’t find a space where you first intended to visit then don’t simply dump your car, your selfish actions could be the difference between someone receiving life-saving care or not.”
Furthermore, even the tourists who managed to reach Mam Tor didn’t escape disappointment, with the number of people present detracting from the experience.
A TikToker described their ascent of the hill as “the worst mistake” due to the overwhelming crowds and blustery conditions.
An experienced hiker voiced their concerns, stating: “Tik tok has made it famous and ppl with no hiking experience are going. Especially in this weather you need to be prepared and check the wind conditions, wear base layers, hiking shoes with grip, airbreaker. You can’t just go as if your going for a walk.”
Another visitor who braved the trek on a Saturday also shared their grievances, writing: “I went, insanely busy, no respect shown by anyone, drinking, smoking weed abd chaos. would never go on a Saturday again.”
While a third chimed in with: “Bro it’s such an average hill what is the hype? I see better sunrises on the way to work.”
This post was originally published on here