A CODE of conduct designed to encourage Three Peaks walkers to respect the environment and keep noise to a minimum has been created by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to address problems highlighted by villagers.

The COC is being discussed at a quarterly meeting of the YDNPA next week.

The report to members: ‘Visitor Management and the Three Peaks Route’ outlines the work undertaken by the authority to address the issues, mainly affecting residents of Horton-in-Ribblesdale through noise nuisance caused by organised charity walks.

Members are being asked to note the COC as well as consider a web-based notification scheme.

The report by Kathryn Beardmore, director of park services, states: “Through a notification scheme, people could access information that helps them plan their event - whatever the size - and the code of conduct can be promoted.

“Before coming to the area individuals would know what is expected of them. As part of the process they could purchase a Three Peaks map (a corporate action for this year and currently in development) which also shows alternatives starts such as Ingleton.

“If members agree to the setting up of an on-line notification scheme, the scheme would be developed as part of the revamping of our website.”

Ms Beardmore said that the route is not actively promoted by the Authority but does provide information on its website.

The walk’s popularity is evident after the Authority’s three Peaks web page received 44,522 unique page views last year comparted to the website average of 1,067 views.

The YDNPA acknowledges historic problems associated with some visitors to Horton stating the main factor determining the visitor numbers was the availability of car parking. Alternative car parking was already used at Ribblehead and Chapel-le-Dale but it was limited. A suggestion to use the quarry at Ribblehead was ‘not feasible’.

The Authority funded a traffic management study in 2013 but the response rate from residents was poor.

The COC addresses such concerns as noise, litter, parking, using public transport, toilet needs, safe walking preparation, supporting the local community and donating £1 per walker to maintain paths

Members will meet at the national park authority office in Bainbridge at 1pm on Tuesday, December 18.