LDNPA have clearly lost the plot

[fernman]

Read on:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/oct/13/lake-district-authority-loses-no-confidence-vote-over-path-decision

[Ridge]

Unfortunately it really doesn't appear to make any difference how much criticism they attract.

[Bigfoot_Mike]

It appears that the LDNPA are prepared to allow, or even encourage, the destruction of the unique character of the Lake District for supposed commercial gain.

[gunwharfman]

Its capitalism in action, Marx wrote about it when he explained what capitalism is and how and why it operates in the way that it does. We should not be surprised, especially today when everything that we may value dearly is up for grabs! If left to some of the people that I know in the pub, they would just take the view that people who love the natural landscape are just relics of the past, we are just twee Guardian readers, BBC viewing ponces, traitors even and as I'm reminded by one in particular, who I suspect has never walked in his life, it's the money that counts, business is business!!!

[Bigfoot_Mike]

Its capitalism in action, Marx wrote about it when he explained what capitalism is and how and why it operates in the way that it does. We should not be surprised, especially today when everything that we may value dearly is up for grabs! If left to some of the people that I know in the pub, they would just take the view that people who love the natural landscape are just relics of the past, we are just twee Guardian readers, BBC viewing ponces, traitors even and as I'm reminded by one in particular, who I suspect has never walked in his life, it's the money that counts, business is business!!!

I don’t think it is anything to do with capitalism. This is due to unelected, self important officials that you can find under any ideology, particularly socialist and communist, exercising their power because they know best and nobody can stop them. We don’t need to keep bringing politics into walking, as it only causes arguments.

[richardh1905]

I despair of these clowns.


WHY WON'T THEY LISTEN?

[WhitstableDave]

I've not walked in the Lake District yet, but I found the article interesting.

The idea of using tarmac for a cycle path seems crazy (as someone pointed out). I regularly follow a cycle path through my local woods. It's mostly gravel and cinders, and I was amazed when a short section was tarmacked last year - it's on a steep hill with a sharp bend at the bottom and it must be treacherous for cyclists when icy. I think it shows that these things are decided by people with no practical experience whatsoever!

[fernman]

The idea of using tarmac for a cycle path seems crazy (as someone pointed out). I regularly follow a cycle path through my local woods. It's mostly gravel and cinders, and I was amazed when a short section was tarmacked last year - it's on a steep hill with a sharp bend at the bottom and it must be treacherous for cyclists when icy. I think it shows that these things are decided by people with no practical experience whatsoever!

I visited the Malvern Hills for a weekend primarily to walk over them, and I was very disappointed to find that the paths were all tarmac. It was just like walking in the local park only a bit more up and down.

[pdstsp]

I think anyone who has followed the direction of the LDNOA over the last few years will welcome Keswick's vote.  The status of the National Park could hardly be in worse hands.

[richardh1905]

I visited the Malvern Hills for a weekend primarily to walk over them, and I was very disappointed to find that the paths were all tarmac. It was just like walking in the local park only a bit more up and down.

That's a great shame, the crest of the Malverns is a lovely walk. At least it was when I walked it (ahem) 35 years ago!

[vghikers]

I visited the Malvern Hills for a weekend primarily to walk over them, and I was very disappointed to find that the paths were all tarmac.

Oh no 
I'm glad we walked them back in the 1990s, a great walk from Chase End Hill to North Malvern and back down the Worcestershire Way as it was then.

Back on topic, for many years we've viewed the events in the Lakes as being a transformation into a theme park, the LDNPA won't be satisfied until it is. That's why we've concentrated on the SW quadrant around Eskdale for a modicum of remaining wilderness.

[Percy]

I’d estimate about 2 of the ~10 miles of the Malvern Hills have tarmac paths. The main bit being from the Wyche to the Worcestershire Beacon. The Beacon had a cafe at the top until the 70s I think.

[fernman]

I’d estimate about 2 of the ~10 miles of the Malvern Hills have tarmac paths. The main bit being from the Wyche to the Worcestershire Beacon. The Beacon had a cafe at the top until the 70s I think.

To me it seemed like all of the main paths up and along the range. It was a few years ago but it is still fairly vivid in my memory.

But the point of me mentioning it was not to detract from the Lakes and bring the Malvern Hills into the thread, but to express what it feels like to walk on tarmac paths in an open and scenic landscape.

[Percy]

To me it seemed like all of the main paths up and along the range. It was a few years ago but it is still fairly vivid in my memory.

But the point of me mentioning it was not to detract from the Lakes and bring the Malvern Hills into the thread, but to express what it feels like to walk on tarmac paths in an open and scenic landscape.

Agreed.


Just didn’t want anyone put off visiting the Malvern Hills. There might be tarmac under your feet part of the way but the views are spectacular both east and west.

[April]

I despair of these clowns.

The status of the National Park could hardly be in worse hands.

I agree. I fear for the Lake District's future, I really do