Conservationists lose a little more support

[Ali Wood]

To change the scope of the discussion slightly - it was mention of the LDNP that caught my eye - was it not the LDNP who decided to 'step out' the bridleways around top part of Eskdale, thus preventing MTB'ers from using them? I wonder if any reader has come across this problem or whether they have extended this policy elsewhere in the Lake District, 'cos I haven't been up there in a while

[King Penguin]

I can think of quite a number of places where paths have been paved / stepped, and as a consequence unsightly erosion scars are gradually healing.

[binman]

And if you want to bring MTBs into the discussion, I can think of a good few new downhill tracks engineered (by the bikers themselves with bow saws) in an area where orienteers are refused access for 6 months of the year to ensure a 'protected bird species' gets an undisturbed nesting season - not exactly a sign of aware and caring individuals balancing up all the implications of their actions.

[Ali Wood]

I can think of quite a number of places where paths have been paved / stepped, and as a consequence unsightly erosion scars are gradually healing.

I repeat, bridleways - not paths. I sympathise with the point you make, but the fact remains that they have effectively prohibited MTB's from using those bridleway(s), which is basically illegal!
I would hope also that the authorities don't go hell-for-leather stepping / paving ALL the major routes - that would be sad, and the Lakes will resemble a golf course rather than wilderness.

[deebee]

Ali, we mountain bikers are only 'prohibited from riding them' uphill, stepped paths, sorry, bridleways are brilliant for riding downhill - just like the Claife Heights Coffin Trail has been for years.

[Red Adder]

Here is a photo of the result of a national conservation body trimming trees with a JCB in the name of improving habitat for wildlife (birds in particular. We are banned from this area because of the disturbance we cause !!!

[attachment=0]tunstall birch 4.jpg[/attachment]

[charles2]

Ali, we mountain bikers are only 'prohibited from riding them' uphill, stepped paths, sorry, bridleways are brilliant for riding downhill - just like the Claife Heights Coffin Trail has been for years.

I'm sure I remember riding up the coffin trail a few years ago, although if there are too many steps and they are too steep then this becomes tricky.