People travelling to the Peak District are being encouraged to ditch the car and take the train.
An influx of motorists has caused parking problems in recent years, with police taking enforcement action against dozens who have ignored parking restrictions and left their vehicles at the side of the road.
Northern, tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Peak District National Park Authority are now encouraging people to travel in on public transport.
Visitors can get to a range of popular destinations in the picturesque national park on Northern services. They can get off at Edale to climb Mam Tor, head for a hike around Grindleford or visit the spa town of Buxton.
It comes as a series of events are being held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Peak District becoming the UK’s first national park.
Northern has marked the milestone with a train naming. The Class 195 unit, named Peak District 75, was unveiled during a ceremony at Manchester Piccadilly station.
The train will be seen by thousands of people in the coming months, as it travels through the Peak District on the Hope Valley Line.
Covering 555 square miles, the national park is famous for its dramatic limestone valleys, impressive gritstone edges and sweeping moorland landscapes.
Around 13 million people travel to the national park each year to enjoy outdoor activities in stunning scenery and visit some of the historic towns and villages.
Railways have played an important part in the history of the Peak District, as the construction of various lines in the 19th century led to a tourism boom.
Some of the railway lines were shut down and turned into walking and cycle routes, but four routes remain open to passengers, allowing them to travel by train to the national park from the likes of Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
Alex Hornby, Northern’s Commercial and Customer Director, said: “The Peak District has become an incredibly popular tourist destination because there’s something for everyone, whether they’re looking to get out and explore the stunning countryside or enjoy a day in one of the charming towns and villages.
“Travelling by train is easy, as there are regular services running to stations across the national park, and it saves visitors from sitting in traffic or searching for a parking space.”
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Travelling by train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the Peak District, allowing visitors to leave the car behind, avoid parking pressures and experience our landscapes in a more sustainable way.
“Northern’s services provide easy access to some of our most iconic beauty spots, from the rolling hills around Edale and Mam Tor to the stunning walks and villages of the Hope Valley.
“We are committed to encouraging more car-free visits and our website is packed with inspiration, including a range of itineraries that can be enjoyed using Northern’s services.
“We’re delighted to support this initiative and encourage more visitors to discover the Peak District by rail during this special 75th anniversary year.”
A spokesperson for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “It is wonderful that Northern have joined our celebration of the Peak District National Park by naming a train in honour of our 75th anniversary.
“Our National Park is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, and travelling by train gives visitors the chance to enjoy the beautiful landscape whilst helping to protect it by choosing a greener form of travel.”
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
