Why I Kick Down Stone Stacks in the Peak District
Let me talk to you about something that really matters to me – something you might not expect to cause such strong feelings: stone stacks. You’ve probably seen them – neat little towers of rocks, stacked up by hikers and visitors along trails, especially in places like the Peak District. They may look peaceful, even artistic. But the reality behind them is far from harmless. That’s why I knock them down. And I’m not shy about it.
I'm Stuart Cox, a chartered engineer and passionate hillwalker based in Castleton, right near Mam Tor. I’ve been walking these trails for years and have watched how parts of our beautiful landscape have slowly started to erode – not just naturally, but because of careless human impact. One of the most frustrating things I’ve seen is the rise of these stone stacks – some of them even six feet tall – and the damage they leave behind.
People often build these stacks without realizing what they’re taking stones from. Many of these rocks come from ancient walls or historic features. Some date back hundreds of years and are part of the Peak District’s cultural heritage. Others form natural habitats – hiding places for frogs, toads, insects, and even birds that nest in crevices. When someone pulls a rock out to build a pretty little tower, they might be destroying someone’s home.
Also Read:- Investigators Probe Cockpit Actions in Fatal Air India 787 Crash
- Jacob Misiorowski Dominates Dodgers with 12 K’s in Breakout Performance
So yes, I kick them down. I film it, I post it, and I stand by it. One of my videos went viral – over a million views. And the response? Mixed, but powerful. Some people called me a hero for doing what they wish they had the nerve to do. Others sent threats and said I had no right. But the ones that mattered most were those who admitted they’d never thought about the consequences, and now they wouldn’t build another stack again.
That’s why I keep doing it – because people need to know. This isn't about being grumpy or confrontational. It’s about defending the environment we all claim to love. If we’re going to enjoy places like the Peak District, we also have a responsibility to protect them.
The Countryside Code makes it clear: leave rocks, stones, and wildlife habitats as you find them. Respect heritage. Preserve nature. That wall you're borrowing from? It might be centuries old. That little insect you didn’t see under the stone? It matters more than your Instagram shot.
This problem isn't just here in Derbyshire. It’s happening across the UK – from Scotland’s beaches to National Parks abroad in places like Iceland and Bermuda. People want to leave their mark, and I get it. But nature isn’t a canvas for your temporary art project. It’s already perfect. The best way to respect it is to tread lightly and leave no trace.
So, if you ever catch me booting over a stack of rocks, know this: I’m not doing it to ruin someone’s fun. I’m doing it to restore balance. To defend a landscape I love. To give a voice to the voiceless creatures who live under those stones. And maybe, just maybe, to remind people that sometimes the most powerful action is leaving something exactly as you found it.
Read More:
0 Comments