HALL OF SHAME

Hall of Shame: Get Off My Land

Craig y Castell (30F, LR124)

Stewart Logan: I went to climb this hill from the car park at SH698153, but the farmer at Tyddyn-Evan fychan said that was not allowed because:

• There were no paths over his land.
• The wall near the summit had no gate or stile.
• It did not have 150 metres drop (when I had to explain to him what the hill was all about).
• Anyone who claimed to have been up the hill was lying because he knew that no-one went up it.

I politely took my leave and went round to the opposite side at Gellilwyd and climbed it via the marked path, although it was hard in the deep bracken higher up.

Lambrigg Fell (34D, LR97)

Andy Tomkins: There was a sign at the start of the right of way telling people to stay on the path to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Having bagged the hill, I was descending to the car when I came across the farmer. He wasn't very happy and said that walkers should keep to the path. I pointed out that it was an open access area and he did admit there is a right to roam, but he started going on about ground-nesting skylarks and curlews and the danger from the high-velocity rifles he uses to shoot 'vermin'. Presumably the right of way provides protection from stray bullets and the birds were nesting rather than preparing for winter (it was September). He wasn't unpleasant or aggressive and became quite chatty after making his point. However, I found his arguments dubious to say the least.

Mynydd Marchywel (32B, LR170)

Michael Earnshaw: The farmer (on the southern approach) said he had suffered damage to his walls and fences in the past. I tried not to be confrontational and agreed that such behaviour was not on, so after a bit more complaining from the farmer I was allowed to continue to the summit. Promising to be careful seemed to placate him. A better line slightly to the west avoided any trouble on the descent.