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Has anyone been up to do the borrowdale bash recently? Starting from keswick and the climb up to walla crag?
Theyve now put up a no bikers sign on the gate that leads up to walla crag so no one can do the long great descent down to ashness bridge. Obviously some walkers mustve complained about mountain bikers and now have got it closed which is a bit of a joke, been doing that ride for over 10 years and its also a well known loop for mountain bikers.
Private group Lowey, can't see it.
Dunno about you but it'd take more than a sign to stop me, that descent's a blinder..
Exactly.
Ahh sorry...
There is a few guys trying to get evidence that the path has been used by bikers unopposed for 20 years and asking for pics / statements so they can take it to the NT / LDNP with a view to getting it reclassified as a bridleway.
Please can someone send me a screen shot of this from the facebook group? hannah@singletrackworld.com I thought I might put it out as a plea 'have you ridden here, can you prove it' or whatever.
Seem to think I've seen plenty of YouTube videos of people riding down there.
The whole thing's virtually double track, fp my arse!
I'm pretty sure that's been up there for ages. Hasn't stopped me the last three or four times I've ridden past it.
I think once a bloke shouted "You know you aren't allowed to ride your bike up there" after me, to which I gave my usual reply of "I know right, how silly is that?".
Ridden maybe 20 times in the last 8 years or so,most recently just before Christmas . Noticed a small sign at the gate, ignored it, exchanged genuine pleasantries with walkers we met. Never had a problem up there.
It's a great example of the absurdity of the footpath/bridleway classification. Relatively quiet, loads of room, lots of notice of other trail users.
By the "you're not meant to be here" argument, you're perfectly entitled to ride over the road to Skiddaw, up to the top and then come hurtling down the perennially heaving main access track, scattering walkers all over the fells, because "we're allowed to here". Nonsense.
Point of note on scattering walkers (yeah I know it’s tongue in cheek), they still have right of way on a BW but we all knew that already.
Be nice, say hi
Rule #1
Enjoy the footpaths responsibly
Etc etc…
Think that signs been there for a while and anyway it’s always been a footpath so it’s not like anything has changed. The only hesitation I have of riding there is that some of the grassy area on Walla crag is delicate and riders and walkers are creating some patches of erosion.
Ha yep definitely tongue in cheek, in no way would I ever do that or encourage anyone else to.
Ironically the most aggression I've received has been on bridleways.
Is it on NT land? They have (had) a policy of permissive MTB access for their land in The Lakes and had agreed this with their tenants.
The signs appeared around five months or so ago, one on each of the four bar gates at either end of Walla. Someone keeps removing them, someone else keeps putting up new ones. Makes zero difference to anyone local who rides it regularly; we know it's a footpath.
Is it on NT land? They have (had) a policy of permissive MTB access for their land in The Lakes and had agreed this with their tenants.
Wow, I'm intrigued. Do you have any more info on this?
Anyone got an update on this? I saw there was some news about a successful petition, but not sure what the current access state. Planning on heading up that way shortly and hoping to get a Borrowdale Bash ride in. Cheers
Did that route a few weeks back, didn't see any signs and nothing to stop you riding it. I'd just crack on and plead ignorance if challenged. easier to ask for forgiveness than permission and all.
I don't remember seeing the sign a month or two ago.
I also found it the ideal descent for a bit of timber-bell (or AliExpress knock-off) action.
It goes before the ROW committee this week, fingers crossed they agree with the planning officers recommendation for change to BW: Link here
Local rider Richard has been instrumental in organising this campaign, so hopefully it gets signed off.
Top work, fingers crossed....
Was up there a few weeks ago at a quiet time. No problems encountered.
Good work indeed, good luck for tomorrow.
Only minor problem I can see is that it gets reclassified as a bridleway then "repaired" to meet whatever requirements are of a bridleway and the increased traffic...
In fairness, they seem happy to 'improve' paths regardless of their RoW status, be it FP, BW or byway. It's mainly determined by the perceived needs of the walking fraternity, or the 4x4 mob.
Not sure I can ever remember them investing in repairs for a BW based on it being unsuitable for horses.
Good work!
It got approved! For those that wish to nerd, there’s some interesting (if you’re into that sort of thing) case law discussion in the meeting that might come in handy to anyone else trying to make a similar claim.
Thanks to Richard for all his efforts!
Excellent news!
This case would make a great basis for a magazine article, and would be great if STW could put together a bank of resources and advice for future challenges to access/rights of way for riders.
Buzzing! But yea hope it doesn't get "fixed".
It was great that all Rich's hard work has paid off (although I think there is an opportunity for objections before it is formally ratified). He demonstrated years of regular use by cyclists with evidence from both written statements from those of us who ride it regularly, and, interestingly, Strava. If anyone is looking to campaign for similar it is worth seeing what Richard did to get his case across. He's on FB as Mtb Guides.
Could we get this done for seldom seen? 😂
Awesome news, im hoping to do this ride in a couple of weeks 🙂