Parking is becoming an increasing challenge.
- Prices are increasing and formerly free CPs are becoming P&D.
- Payment methods are changing from coin-op to card payment, worst is where the only option is mobile phone “Pay by App”, one problem with that is whether mobile signal is available, another is that you need the right app, each parking provider has their own smart-phone app and some apps don’t work on “older” mobiles which can mean as little as 3 years-old.
- Conversely some rural CPs cannot be equipped to handle card payments being in mobile phone network “not-spots” so it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve always got at least £7 in coins.
- Surprise View is (or was ) card only but on several occasions there was no mobile signal so I’d place a note to that effect in the window.
- Some CPs are free up to 10:00a.m, popular with dog-walkers. Hikers may find that it’s beneficial not to pay until about to set off.
- In general it’s beneficial not to pay until about to set off too but be alert to the possibility of ANPR (number plate recognition based video recording of arrival and departure times).
There are 3 main providers of commercial parking facilities in the area.
- DCC (Derbyshire County Council)
- PDNPA (Peak District National Park Authority)
- NT (The National Trust)
Other opportunities include
- Lay-bys & verges (but watch out for yellow lines and concealed rocks, soft ground and ditches)
- Pub CPs landlords are often amenable to walkers parking for the day if the CP is large, subject to prior agreement and with the expectation that the group will be eating at the pub (some charge a parking fee refundable against spending of food and drinks).
- At peak times in popular areas some farmers are opening a field and charging for parking but this is unpredictable.
- Railway stations. Parking is free at a few rural stations and some others the ticket price can be redeemed against a rail fare. For a long time Edale had P&D (potentially reclaimable) but the machines weren’t working (over a period of many years) so effectively free parking whereas the village CP across the road was always fairly costly P&D
- Chatsworth (and probably most other stately homes) charge for the day and don’t necessarily expect visitors to visit the main house (for a separate charge). Arrangements for special events will be different.
- On-street parking is often a possibility in residential streets, especially mid-week but bear in mind the needs of residents for access. Be respectful, if challenged move.
- Local authority sports facilities often provide free parking especially in smaller conurbations, not intended for walkers but not prohibited.
- Churches often an honesty box if it’s a CP. Bear in mind you’re saving £7 compared with DCC parking so don’t be mean! Otherwise there’s often plenty of room for on-street parking, in that case be alert to indications that there might be a funeral (or, less likely mid-week, wedding) expected later in the day and avoid causing an obstruction.
DCC is putting a stop to the widespread parking on the verge near Mam Tor, one weekend in Feb 2023 nearly 100 vehicle parking tickets were issued. Doubtless that approach will be extended to further areas. DCC are also increasing parking charges in their P&D CPs. On a recent visit to Black Rock (Cromford) the charge for parking over 4 hours was £7.
NT CPs are increasingly P&D but free on proof of NT membership (and some remain free to all), a recent (2023) experience was at Ilam where the charges were £5 for 4 hours, £7 all day.
PDNPA over 2023 they intend to increase the the number of pay and display car parks by an additional 13 sites to 31.
The 13 additional sites are:
• Alstonefield
• Barber Booth, Edale
• Blore Pastures, Ilam
• Derwent Overlook, Ladybower
• Milldale, Alstonefield
• Moor Lane, Youlgreave
• Dennis Knoll, Stanage
• Hooks Carr, Stanage
• Upper Burbage Bridge, Stanage
• Friden, High Peak Trail
• Minninglow, High Peak Trail
• Narlows Lane, Tissington Trail
• Thorpe Station, Tissington Trail
Source: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/motoring/13-free-peak-district-car-8036360