Author Topic: Blocked Footpaths  (Read 1798 times)

happyhiker

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Blocked Footpaths
« on: 10:49:39, 06/12/18 »
Seen on a walk last week. Someone had thoughtfully cut a notch in the collapsed branch to allow the kissing gate to swing but still difficult to get through even with rucksack removed. There was no easy way round the obstruction. It has been reported. What obstructed footpath access have you seen?

April

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #1 on: 12:43:00, 06/12/18 »
There were a few stiles near Brampton that were difficult to get over. A finger post that clonked you on the head when you got over and another one with a double fence with the stile in between, very awkward manoeuvres  ;D They have both been sorted out now (someone must read my trip reports at the council  ;))

There is one footpath I've not been able to use near Kellwood, north of Brampton close to Hadrian's Wall. The two times I've tried, bullocks behaving badly have stopped us entering the field where they and the footpath are in. They were charging up and down the field and when Beefy went for the gate to see how they would react, they charged toward the gate, very fast, roaring. There were a lot of them. No way was I going into that field. If we'd had ninthace with us we could have asked him to "distract" the cattle while we continued safely up the footpath  ;)
Hate will never win

barewirewalker

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #2 on: 14:40:39, 06/12/18 »
I should have thought it is worth discussing this actual example, looks like a willow tree to me with a growth defect that clearly indicates that his is going to happen at some time.

Is it the council's responsibility? I have an old cherry at the front of my garden that gives a wonderful display of blossom early every year. One year I found a spray paint mark on a branch that overhangs the roadside pavement. Week or so later an official type letter, stating that there were symptoms to indicate that it might break and I must take appropriate action and within a time frame. It came with an addressed envelope and form to be returned when I had done the required work.


The tree could be part of the wood or it could be in the boundary of the field, but surely it is the responsibility of some property owner. What level of supervision has that property owner shown in allowing this to happen and was the notch cut to allow the gate to be used done on his behalf.


It is notable in Harry Cotterrels 'common sense policy' on access published by that organization that represents the large supposedly professional freeholders of land and like to think of themselves as landowners, that there is no recognition that they have any duty, where the law requires them to recognized public access.

I have a few examples, quickly available pre-photobucket debacle, but one comes to mind. Style and steps from roadside through to field, with fingerpost, but fingerpost neatly cut off level with newly cut hedge and wood chips all over the step. Add this observation to other signs of contempt for the idea that people should be walking in that area and it was clear that the hedge machine operator was expressing the landowner's opinion.



BWW
Their Land is in Our Country.

Maggot

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #3 on: 16:13:26, 06/12/18 »
How do I get pictures up on here?!?!
« Last Edit: 16:27:47, 06/12/18 by Maggot »

richardh1905

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #4 on: 17:52:28, 06/12/18 »
How do I get pictures up on here?!?!



You need to upload your pics to a photo hosting site, and then link to it using the picture symbol above the leftmost smiley face.


I use imgbb.com - nice and simple. And entirely free  :)
WildAboutWalking - Join me on my walks through the wilder parts of Britain

Maggot

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #5 on: 19:16:51, 06/12/18 »

You need to upload your pics to a photo hosting site, and then link to it using the picture symbol above the leftmost smiley face.


I use imgbb.com - nice and simple. And entirely free  :)


Sweet, thank-you

Maggot

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #6 on: 19:18:59, 06/12/18 »
Not really a blocked footpath, in fact just the opposite!  Quite possibly the easiest stile to negotiate in the entire UK? 




fernman

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #7 on: 20:00:58, 06/12/18 »
There was a 2 metre height kissing gate in a wall above Llanfairfechan, to get from a minor lane onto the North Wales Path. I don't know if it is still like it but it was 100% impossible to get through it with a pack, even if I took it off and held it by my legs. The only way I managed was to hoist my pack onto the top of the wall and retrieve it from the other side.

BuzyG

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #8 on: 20:22:06, 06/12/18 »
There are several Blocked paths on Bodmin moor that I know of.  The county council site is well laid out and makes them easy to report. However I have yet to witness any action being taken as a result of those I have reported.

sussamb

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #9 on: 22:59:25, 06/12/18 »
Not really a blocked footpath, in fact just the opposite!  Quite possibly the easiest stile to negotiate in the entire UK? 





This one's easier, no wire fence, did make a nice seat though  ;)

Where there's a will ...

pleb

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #10 on: 11:45:03, 07/12/18 »
Seen on a walk last week. Someone had thoughtfully cut a notch in the collapsed branch to allow the kissing gate to swing but still difficult to get through even with rucksack removed. There was no easy way round the obstruction. It has been reported. What obstructed footpath access have you seen?

I've been through there!
Whinging Moaning Old Fart

richardh1905

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #11 on: 13:17:53, 07/12/18 »
Wouldn't fancy going through there in a gale!
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sussamb

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #12 on: 13:45:06, 07/12/18 »
And returning to pointless stiles, fence has long gone ...

Where there's a will ...

happyhiker

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #13 on: 15:19:49, 07/12/18 »
There are several Blocked paths on Bodmin moor that I know of.  The county council site is well laid out and makes them easy to report. However I have yet to witness any action being taken as a result of those I have reported.


The kissing gate in the original post was seen on this walk https://tinyurl.com/yawqmsu7   and was reported to North Yorkshire, not least because the tree seemed held up by a stone gatepost which itself was at a precarious angle.


I reported two footpath problems in the Howardian Hills to the same authority some time ago. On one they acted straight away and sorted it. I have asked them what happened on the other issue, a fenced path blocked by brambles. I still have the scars!

happyhiker

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Re: Blocked Footpaths
« Reply #14 on: 15:20:50, 07/12/18 »
How do I get pictures up on here?!?!


I used Tinypic.

 

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