Green Lanes are roads Dad!

[timbott]

Right it is about time I posted here in the new Greenlane section as I did support it's conception!

I was arguing with my Dad this morning about greenlaning. He made the first mistake accusing me of driving on Bridleways (I put him right on that score!) Then he accused me of ripping up the countryside with my Landy and I thinks "Hang on, how much countryside was PERMANENTLY ripped up so he can drive his Toyota Avensis wherever he wants, at least greenlanes will self repair in time.

As much as I like my Dad, he seems to see himself as part of the "huntin' shootin' and fishin' " set. I should imagine if I ever met him on a greenlane and he was walking and I was driving my Landy he would be one of these vocal ramblers who think they own the sodding country. I love the countryside as much as anyone, and I am a hiker too (sorry!) but nothing would gladden my heart more than to meet a correctly driven 4x4 (preferably from Solihull but I won't be racist) whilst out walking on a greenlane.

How do we educate these people, nobody moans about horses on bridleways, and push bikes on trails, and hikers with great big stomping boots on so why are we not allowed to go about our lawful business without annoying comments from - well you know the type of person I mean!!!

Rant over:Cross:

cheers, Tim

[Hill Billy]

AHHHHH, at last someone with the same problem. I was wondering if i was the only one. My parents are the same, well dad can't ramble anymore due to illness but that doesn't stop him jumping on the wagon and harking on about 'us lot' as he puts it chewing up the country side! One small point, how many fottpaths carved into the side of mountains which need constant repair in areas of natural beauty? They still haven't got an answer for thatone yet!!!

[timbott]

Spot on Hill Billy, the amount of erosion caused by hikers is massive, but the paths are repaired and expensive erosion prevention schemes are put in place, and then the bloody walkers look down their noses at us 'cos we are (apparently) hell bent on ripping the countryside to pieces.

I do have some sympathy with the over use of historic routes by 4x4's (The Ridgeway for example) causing wear and tear, but most lanes seem to me to be forgotten and historically un-remarkable routes that the walking fraternity wouldn't even know were there until we drive them, then they see us, and we are then just bloody vandals in their eyes driving on their hallowed property.

As I said in my first post at the top of this thread "I am a hiker too (sorry!)" so if anyone from the Rambler Association wants to reply you are welcome. I walk and drive our legal rights of way and will fight for my rights on both counts.

cheers, Tim

[Big Sandy]

Originally posted by timbott
erosion caused by hikers is massive, but the paths are repaired and expensive erosion prevention schemes are put in place,

An' then what do they do?? Refuse to walk on the path, and spread the damage over a wider area!

I've said it before, most of the damage caused to greenlanes, footpaths and bridleways etc, is caused by the irresponsible few. Unfortunately the rest of us get tarred with the same brush. It's interesting to note how few people realise that a club going greenlaning is probably more likely to repair damage than it is to cause it................

[Lighting90]

If you remember in the not so distant past, somewhere down in England, a Land Rover club decided to repair a green road, which was used by both them and walkers, so they thought to ask the local Ramblers association if they would help, the response they got was a big no, and it came all the way from the top of the association, including statements to the effect that if it was not for the use by 4x4's it would not need repairs etc etc. So much for helping for fellow man etc.
I have to say, I have not heard of the ramblers assocaition doing repair work to any footpath, it always seems to get left to be done by other voluntary groups or the local councils, even when 4x4's do not even get close to the path. The Lyke Wake Walk across the North Moors is a good example, which in places has become 4 metres wide, and it is only used by walkers!!! If it was used by 4x4's I bet it would have been closed by now... doesn't seem to happen for footpaths though... they just get repaired.

[graham]

Hi, my wife is disabled.

Now we have a 4x4 it's possible for us to get on to the fells and enjoy the views, wildlife etc.

Up to my wife being taken ill we were both keen fell walkers out most weekends, we even did the national 3 peaks together.

I hope that the green lanes will be kept open for us to use, if your disabled it's the only way you can get access to the fells etc.
unless someone comes up with a 4x4 wheelchair.

Graham Jackson

[Hill Billy]

Good point, i had never thought of that issue graham, in which case it is even more imperitive that we try to keep all the green lanes open that we can!

MIke:p

[Lighting90]

It is something that a lot of people forget.

We should all treat others as we want to be treated ourselves....

[graham]

Hi, thanks guys for your reply.

It is important not to abuse the lanes i read the artical in Aug Land Rover owner international, in Wiltshire the road contractors are using the rubble etc from resurfacing roads to maintain the green lanes. The landfill sites are becoming scarce and expensive to use, by arrangement with the council the road contractors are filling in the deep ruts and mud holes for free. Volunteers are clearing the undergrowth to make room for a 360 digger to level out the rubble etc. they say that within a year the grass will grow up through the stones and you will hardly know the road has been touched, and it won't rut easily.

I think this is a good idea working together for all users of green lanes. This should be taken up with the local council in each area and volunteers gathered to do the clearing, i would gladly volunteer.

Going back to my original thread, the use of these lanes for the pleasure of disabled should be used, it would be a good idea to invite a group of disabled people to go green laning we could take them in our vehicles, it would be good publicity too. I think they would enjoy the fell lanes they could get out and enjoy the views and wildlife, its not much fun being in a wheel chair and to be able to get on the fells in this way would open up a new world to anyone who is disabled.

Sorry it's a long thread i do go on a bit but i think it's an important issue. If there is anyone out there who agrees with me please let me know.

PS you can correct the spelling mistakes too.
Hows my spelling 0800 222 333 only kidding.

Graham Jackson. Lancaster area.

Graham.

[timbott]

Graham

I think that is a wonderful idea, I would be very happy to take disabled people in my Landy on a well organised green lane trip event. I live in Derby so the Peak District is my usual green laning area but very willing to travel to other areas. I don't know how suitable my 12 seater StationWagon (series 2a with only front seatbelts) would be though. Insurance issues always have to be thought though for these kind of things but the idea is great.

I have a disabled step-son and he loves greenlaning. He loves Formula 1, but I think I have surprised him with the capability of a real motor:yay:

cheers, Tim