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7 Jun
8:51am, 7 Jun 2024
2,827 posts
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Canute
The Lake District provides delightful, inspiring terrain. I chose to live here largely because of that. However, it is not wilderness. It has been shaped by mankind over millennia in eye-catching ways. The vegetation is shaped by sheep. The charming the stone walls are a monument to generations of sheep farmers.
More recently fell walkers (and runners) have been responsible for a network of paths: some are pleasing to the eye; others are an eyesore. Cairns guide us down safely when the high ridges are in cloud. Many of us who love the fells accept the benefits of these manmade features.
We also share the benefits of living in a modern, technological society and cannot expect that the fells should be maintained in exactly the manner that fits our own sensibilities with no concern for the needs of others. I am content that we no longer share the terrain with wolves. Some of us make use of GPS to navigate. Some of us might take delight in the possibility of relaxing in a pub at the end of a long day.
We can expect that this wonderful landscape is maintained in a way that lifts the spirits of those who seek respite from urban skylines and the bustle our cities. Where do we draw the line? I would certainly draw the line to exclude structures that dominate the skyline; I would hate to see zip wires or cable cars. However, much as I endeavour to maintain my own skill is using the natural landscape to guide me, I am not against discreet signs to assist those who have not been had the opportunity to develop sufficient familiarity with the landscape to recognise the treacherous nature of the ill-formed path into Piers Gill.
Car parks are an inescapable abomination. They are not made less so by signs that warn about the need for care on the fells above.
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7 Jun
9:07am, 7 Jun 2024
3,200 posts
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Mushroom
The use of Facebook and Instagram has brought many more thousands into the Lakes quickly, without the training / respect given to the hills that might have been taught and shared by parents taking their kids over several years, or a hiker slowly building up their experience.
It used to take years for people to complete the Wainwrights - now someone hears about it and it's a challenge that has to be done over the shortest time possible. They can have finished the list but still be very inexperienced hikers. I guess the need for warning signs is one way to combat ignorance.
Anyone who's ever been hiking in the Alps will have seen dozens of footpath signs dotted around the trails. You pass a sign and it's instantly out of sight. You can't see them from more than 50yards away.
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21 Jun
9:07pm, 21 Jun 2024
4,483 posts
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jacdaw
We went over High Snab and Robinson from Keswick yesterday, camped in Buttermere and did a quick circuit of the lake in the evening. Back to Honister, then Seatoller via Scarth Gap, Black Sail, Kirk Fell, Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts. Looking at the gps, we appear to have swerved the main top on Kirk Fell in the mist, and gone straight to the "other" top. Bugger. might have to go again, preferably on a less windy day.
Still no bridge at Black Sail hostel.
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21 Jun
9:27pm, 21 Jun 2024
10,366 posts
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Northern Exile
Had you been to the "other" top before? I'd look at that positively, you just bagged another Birkett 
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21 Jun
9:42pm, 21 Jun 2024
4,485 posts
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jacdaw
Sadly, I've never been up there before, so definitely missed out, by about 50m, I reckon.
I only went because I liked the look of the scramble up from Black Sail Pass to Kirk Fell, so I don't really much care about missing the top.
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21 Jun
10:01pm, 21 Jun 2024
10,367 posts
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Northern Exile
You mean via Red Gully? Or did you find the fence line route.
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21 Jun
10:33pm, 21 Jun 2024
4,486 posts
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jacdaw
Not the fence line, and not red gully (assuming that is the really red gully to the left looking up). We went up the central gully... which I now suspect might be the least interesting route up!
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22 Jun
10:10am, 22 Jun 2024
3,498 posts
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R4R
Haven't posted for a while because of stuff going on with MiL. No longer an issue
Did 5 ew Wainwright's last week - Shipman, Kentmere and Harter Fell on a glorious day from Sadgill.
Friday started miserable so went for some low hanging fruit - Black Fell then Holme Fell by which time it was warm and sunny.
Intended another walk on Sunday but had to go home late Saturday night.
Moves me onto 126
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22 Jun
10:10am, 22 Jun 2024
3,499 posts
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R4R
*new*
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22 Jun
8:30pm, 22 Jun 2024
1,954 posts
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Gromit
We have plans in place to get the wainwrights finished on my birthday weekend in a few weeks .. Pod booked at wasdale campsite, just need the weather to play nicely of course 🤦♀️🤦♀️
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