A Weekend of Action: Kinder Rising – Rally & Swim Trespass

Join Hayfield Kinder Trespass Group, Right to Roam and The Outdoor Swimming Society for a powerful weekend commemorating the 1932 Kinder Mass Trespass and demanding expanded access to nature. We’re calling on the government to seize this crucial moment to extend the right to roam, ensuring everyone, everywhere, can connect with the natural world.

Currently, only 8% of England’s land is open to public access, and even within these areas, activities like swimming and wild camping are often restricted. With only 3% of rivers offering explicit swimming and paddling rights, and many reservoirs off-limits, the need for change is clear. We advocate for a right of responsible access to both land and water, mirroring Scotland’s successful model.    

 

Why Now?

The government has pledged to amend the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, a direct result of the Kinder trespass, to enhance environmental protection. However, despite previous commitments, progress on expanding the right to roam has stalled. It’s time to reignite the spirit of 1932 and urge the government to fulfill its promise.

Weekend Itinerary:

Saturday, April 26th: Hayfield Village Events

Hosted by the Hayfield Kinder Trespass Group, with support from Right to Roam North West, Saturday offers a day of engagement and discussion at Hayfield Village Green, Village Hall, and St. Matthew’s Church Hall.    

 

  • Village Green: Talks and Panels

    • 1:35 PM: Opening by David Toft, Chair of Hayfield Kinder Trespass Group.    
       
    • 1:45 PM: Keynote Speech from Kate Ashbrook, Chair of Open Spaces Society.    
       
    • 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: National Perspectives – Panel discussion on legislation and lobbying. Panellists include Guy Shrubsole (Right to Roam), Kate Ashbrook (Open Spaces Society), Imogen Radford (Outdoor Swimming Society), and others.    
       
    • 2:50 PM – 3:30 PM: What Does It Look Like on the Ground? – Panel discussion on Peak District, North West, rural, and urban issues. Panellists will include Dr. Morag Rose (Loiterers Resistance Movement), Manchester and Regional Right to Roam, outdoor swimmers, and more.    
       
      3:30 PM: Singing “The Manchester Rambler.”    
       

  • St. Matthew’s Church Hall: Workshops

  • 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Trespass Workshops – “All you need to know about effective campaigning” – covering trespassing legal frameworks, choosing locations, map reading, and more, followed by a Q&A.    
 
  • 3:45 PM: Radical Manchester Singing Workshop.    
 
  • 5:15 PM: Mummers Play.    
  • Evening social gathering at local pubs to follow.
 
  •  

Sunday, April 27th: Mass Rally & Swim Trespass

Join Right to Roam and The Outdoor Swimming Society for a mass rally and swim trespass, demanding expanded rights to roam and swim.    

  • 10:30 AM: Right to Roam Rally in Hayfield, followed by a walk to William Clough, timed to meet swimmers at the reservoir at approximately 1:00 PM (Note: This is not organised by Hayfield Kinder Trespass Group).    
 
  • Travel and shuttle bus information from Manchester and New Mills are below at bottom of page.
  • Public Transport is available from Stockport and New Mills.

Important Information:

  • TICKETS: You can sign up for the event using the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kinder-rising-time-to-make-history-again-registration but you can attend without (it’s free! It just helps us keep track of numbers and keep in contact with you all about any event updates)
  • Parking: Hayfield is a small village. Please avoid parking there. Utilise public transport or the planned shuttle bus from New Mills. Car sharing is strongly encouraged.
  • Legal Note: The swim trespass is an informal event, supported by various groups, advocating for the right to swim. Participants swim at their own risk. Safety information for reservoir swimming can be found on The Outdoor Swimming Society website.
  • Accessibility: The route includes rough terrain. While the initial walk is on paved roads, full accessibility cannot be guaranteed. For route accessibility details, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdfm4f4a

Join us in making history and securing access to nature for all.

Rally Travel Options – Right to Roam

We are pleased to provide the following travel options for the Kinder Rising rally this Sunday.

Coach Transportation:

For your convenience, we have organized coach trips from Sheffield and Manchester.

Cost: £10 return, plus a £1.55 Eventbrite booking fee.

Important Note: Coach reservations are being offered to affiliated groups first. Early booking is advised to secure your seat.

Financial Assistance: Should the cost present a barrier to your attendance, please consult the FAQs for contact information. We are committed to facilitating participation for all.

Public and Active Transportation:

  • Trains to New Mills (Newtown or Central). Please verify Sunday schedules and book tickets in advance.
  • Shuttle bus service (routes 61 or 358) from New Mills to Hayfield.
  • Consider a scenic 5km walk or cycle along the Sett Valley Trail.
  • Public bus service from Stockport to Hayfield: https://tfgm.com/travel-updates/live-departures/bus/358-hayfield

Car Transportation:

  • Please be aware that parking in Hayfield is extremely limited.
  • Utilize the shuttle bus service (routes 61 or 358) from New Mills.
  • We encourage carpooling and offering lifts to fellow attendees.
  • The Sett Valley Trail provides a 5km walking or cycling route from New Mills.

We anticipate a successful and impactful rally. We look forward to seeing you there.