Our picturesque village is ruined by obnoxious motors… we want to ban tourists from parking here in the summer
RESIDENTS in a picturesque village say it’s being ruined by huge motors and they want tourists banned from parking there in the summer.
The Lake District is known around the world for its beautiful scenery and stunning views and is therefore a magnet for tourists.
While visitors may give the local economy a boost they also bring their “obnoxiously big” cars with them taking up much-needed parking spaces and clogging up the roads.
The situation has now become so dire that people have taken to TripAdvisor to warn others about the problems with parking.
One visitor has even advised people should avoid the area all together when the weather is good.
One such Cumbria village is Buttermere, which sits in Buttermere Valley and is blessed with unspoiled landscapes and beautiful scenery.
There are plenty of walking routes to explore and grand country houses to visit, which all make it a big hit with visitors but this has led to parking chaos, according to some, LancsLive reports.
One person has even warned others to stay away from the area in the summer months.
They wrote on TripAdvisor: “The lake is beautiful and the village has decent tea rooms and a public toilet, but it becomes absolutely packed in the summer on nice days – there’s a lack of parking so that cars end up parked all the way up the single-track road winding towards the Newlands Valley if they can find parking at all.
“This makes driving along the already narrow, twisty and steep roads to and from Buttermere across the Honister Pass and towards the Newlands Valley more dangerous, as you’re forced to try to find lay-bys that dip significantly from the road to pass oncoming cars who often don’t know the local roads all while attempting not to burn the clutch in your car to avoid tumbling off the edge of the hill.
“Wouldn’t recommend in nice weather if you’re not confident driving on steep single track roads or if you drive an obnoxiously big car.”
Another person added: “As a family of six with kids from 12 up we had a lovely walk around Buttermere with a swim and lakeside BBQ as well.
“Unfortunately, we had an encounter with local authority car park wardens… we asked if we could park in a lay-by opposite the court hotel and were told they didn’t know anything about this.
“Five minutes later they gave parking tickets to all the cars in the layby! Beware and only use authorised car parks.”
Despite the parking problems, the area has received lots of very positive reviews.
Another person said on the site: “Even on a damp grey day, Buttermere Lake was the perfect walk! With a very Swiss feel (hills, waterfalls and lake), I loved the fact you can walk around the lake properly, without having to take major detours away from the water.
“The path is easy-going and the tunnel cut-through a big rock so that you can walk by the lake the whole way was fun. Ideal length for us as well (7km).
“We parked at the Gatesgarth car park at the south end of the lake, but there’s also parking in Buttermere village.”
Someone else posted: “A beautiful four-mile walk lake with spectacular (gravel) walking routes.
“It has several wainwright fells and many many sheep that my son enjoyed watching.
“It’s very family friendly and an amazing opportunity to get closer to nature, very relaxing.”
Elsewhere, furious residents claim their picturesque village has been ruined by failed businesses.
Meanwhile, locals in a beautiful village in Wiltshire say tourists are invading their privacy.
Another fairy tale village in Lancashire has banned TV aerials and road markings, and say the visitors love it.