Climbers and walkers love their cars. They get us to the crags and mountains quickly and in relative comfort. How can we, as concerned users of the mountains and hills, reduce our impact?

Use public transport
Public transport can be used not only as a means of getting to a destination but as part of a day out. It frees you from only doing circular walks and is more relaxing than sitting in a traffic jam.

For example, try the Give the Driver A Break initiative in the Lake District or try to co-ordinate your need to travel with others by car sharing. Visit roadchums for ideas on car sharing throughout the UK.

Or alternatively, you could even take a bicycle.

Plan that trip

• For times of train services nationwide use the Railtrack Journey Planner
• For details and booking of coaches see the National Express pages.
• National public transport information from the Traveline
• Wales bus services from Showbus
• Yorkshire Dales bus service Dalesbus
• Peak District bus services Derbybus
• Going abroad – try using the advice from the man in seat 61

If you need to use a motor vehicle:

• Reduce the need to travel. Find alternatives to the national parks and popular crags. There may be suitable countryside closer to home.
• Try alternatives. Investigate car share through friends, clubs or web sites. When was the last time you hitched a lift or picked up a fellow walker? If travelling in a group, consider hiring a mini bus or organising coaches.
• Park carefully. Use designated parking spaces - these should be designed to reduce visual impact and minimise conflict with other users. They may also have useful facilities. If you are the first to arrive, park carefully to allow space for others. Parking in a remote area will spoil the wildness for others, so if you do need to do so, park carefully. A lane may not be used frequently but it could well be a farmer's only access - and a tractor can do a lot of damage to paint work!
• Support the area. A pay-and-display ticket may be the only money you put into the local economy for a whole day's visit and the money is often used for environmental work. Car park attendants are usually local people needing jobs, and they can also offer some security for your car and belongings.
• Be warned. Make sure you lock your vehicle. Don't leave valuable gear on display or, better still, leave it at home.
   

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