OP
OP
a bike on scafell pike!
- Thread starter superbadger
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
OP
OP
superbadger
Über Member
If anybody would like to donate you can do so www.justgiving.com/alanbadgerbishop
When I lived in Eskdale, friends were members of the Wasdale mountain rescue team and regularly risked their lives recusing idiots on Scafell. I see from the team website that some are still members and risking their lives rescuing idiots on Scafell.
Last edited:
OP
OP
superbadger
Über Member
I had full maps, summit map, compass, whistle, emergency light. If it had got stupid I would have ditched the bike and whole attempt.
Did you have a support team with you or were you relying on the Wasdale Mountain Rescue to get you down if you fell off your bike?
OP
OP
superbadger
Über Member
Oh I didn't know that people were not allowed up there SOLO! I was pushing, carrying the bike, going at a pace a tad slower than a hiker; So you are saying that people who go out on there own shouldn't? For your information however I hooked up with three experienced hikers and followed a short way behind them. They took my photo.
swansonj
Guru
There are plenty of mountains where the path to the top is designated a bridle way and therefore you are perfectly entitled to take your bike up - and no-one suggests you should have a support team to do so, and quite right. Mountain Rescue teams get cross with people who don't have map, compass, suitable footware, waterproof, and unprepared parties who persist when the weather gets too bad, and they get very cross with people who leave litter or try to drive coaches up Wasdale at night. They never get cross with people who have an accident doing an outdoor pursuit they are reasonably prepared for.
The distinction between paths which are designated footpaths and paths which are designated bridle paths is important in law but largely arbitrary on the ground. Superbadger had no legal right to take his bike up Scafell Pike (but nor, I believe, did he commit a crime, merely civil trespass). Personally, I tend to confine my cycling to places I am legally entitled to cycle - but a far more important question is how much erosion you will cause (precious little above Mickledore where it's all rock, though possibly some lower down Lingmell and Brown Tongue), and how much you will piss off other mountain users (which depends on volumes, hence the voluntary suspension of bridle ways on Snowdon during summer days).
OP
OP
superbadger
Über Member
I had to virtually carry it the whole way or push it over some rocks but I hardly had a ride there! And all the hikers I came across were very supportive and awestruck at what I was doing. I agree at the people who just think "oh I walk up there, it be okay!". They are the timewasters to rescue services and the people who do cause problems, I actually had my tool kit on the bike and extra first aid kits for anybody who may have needed assistance; I was in the army years ago and this wasn't some dare or daft escapade. I do take on board regards the bridleways and I did know this, but in no way was I unprepared for the mountain, it's conditions, terrain or sheer harshness. People do have accidents and yes I would have looked like I deserved it with a bike in tow! I took my time and was extra careful. I shall not return there, except to hike up by foot!
Crankarm
Guru
- Location
- Nr Cambridge
Who would take a horse up Scafell Pike???!
OP
OP
superbadger
Über Member
That's two cracking photo's now yorkman! haha. It was a challenge plain n simple! Skidaw is a cracking ride with drops either side that would give u an instant halo! Crankarm I only just got the bike through the styles there.... a horse? Would need be a jumper!!! haha.
Ticktockmy
Guru
- Location
- Crawley, West Sussex
As the land is privately owned, and not national trust, then there is nothing to stop you taking a cycle up Scarfell, Whilst there no bridle ways to the top hence you cannot ride along the footpaths, there is nothing to stop you pushing or carrying your bike. Riding a bike on Bridleways, is not written in law, it is a concession. If you get the permission of the land owners you can ride where you like including Footpaths.
D
Deleted member 23692
Guest
The legal right to ride a bike on bridleways is written into S30 of the Countryside Act 1968. However it does not place a legal duty on anyone to maintain a BW to a ride-able standard. As for carrying/pushing a bike on a footpath, this something that has never been fully decided in law. The question would be whether or not the bike was a 'natural accompaniment' for that person to have on the path - a dog or pram/pushchair is permissible in law, but a bike will always be questionable.
The summit and a far chunk of the flaks is owned by the National Trust
The summit and a far chunk of the flaks is owned by the National Trust
