Forgive us our trespasses

treecreeper · #1 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 03:16 PM

Have any WAB walkers or naturalists had any memorable encounters with landowners when you wandered off public footpaths on their land...inadvertently I mean?

Most of my run-ins have been with Welsh farmers, many of whom designated me one of 'You ******* English'. I remember in the eighties they would often, when they had finished commenting on my map reading, launch into a tirade against Margaret Thatcher, as if I had personally inflicted this lady on them. I presume Mrs. T must have done something to make herself unpopular in the country.

The least engaging of these farmers was in Wales but actually Scottish. West of Wrexham is an extensive moor with a single narrow road snaking through it. I was about quarter of a mile from this when I spotted a Landrover on the road. Due to the undulating and trackless terrain I was not proceeding in a straight line, and it soon became clear that the occupant was driving forwards and backwards as he tried to predict where I would emerge. I made a few false changes of direction to make him waste some petrol, but we inevitably met after ten minutes or so. He was one of the angriest I had known, and lectured me where the footpaths were. There was a lady with him, presumably his wife. A most severe female who would not have been out of place, as an exhibit, in a natural history museum. My view that the footpaths were unmarked and unkept and therefore redundant, and also irrelevant in view of the wild and unused state of the land, was not accepted. In view of the origin of Mr. and Mrs. Landowner I decided to digress and proceeded to give an account of the law relating to rights of way in Scotland. I will have to admit this rather inflamed the situation. I cannot recall how the discussion ended. It would be interesting to know if the couple is still there. The land is almost certainly Right to Roam now, so if they are still there one wonders how they occupy themselves. I was left with the impression that catching wayward ramblers was something of a hobby.

But that's enough of my adventures. What about other Wabbers? Or are you all GOOD and never stray off the paths???

KeenTeen17 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 04:07 PM

As a geocacher I get lost on public footpaths all the time. Matters are made worse by the fact I usually have my bike with me and footpaths are never usually well sign posted. I haven't had any disputes like you but I always get scared that I will do.

Theres a few more stories on here
http://www.nwcaching.co.uk/forum/vie...php?f=2&t=2256

earthdragon64 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 04:51 PM

I haven't found it a problem to be honest. Of course we have the Scottish Outdoor Access code which was part of the land reform act 2003, which pretty much allows access across any land for recreational purposes, as long as you abide by the code, which is mostly common sense.

Prior to this in the Cairngorms there was an agreement along fairly similar lines, and there is also a phone number you can use during the Deer stalking and shooting season so that you can avoid areas of high activity.

The thing with access rights, as with rights of many kinds, there are always responsibilities as well. Things like shutting gates, not approaching livestock, especially if they have young, keeping dogs under control. I think that as long as these rights are not abused, then walkers, birdwatchers and landowners can rub along together nicely.

The problem comes, as always, if people take things too far. A prime example is wild camping, the idea behind the legislation was to allow those people on longer hikes in remote places, overnight or a few days, the right to pitch a tent to sleep. However, I have often seen people pitching a tent in some crazy places, including one family of four who pitched their tent in a passing place on a very narrow single track road.

I do wonder sometimes how people that thick actually manage to pass a driving test.

That is the sort of irresponsible, thoughtless behaviour that gets wild campers and walkers a bad name.

ChrisJB · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 06:57 PM

I trespass all the time, though usually for short distances to avoid big detours. I am sneaky about it and try not to be seen. The only run in I've had I think is with a North West Water bloke who tried to stop me using a public right of way, closed due to repairs to a dam wall it crossed. I basically argued the toss and he said to me (in the vein of John Rambo) 'don't push me'! I didn't 'push him', but carried on regardless around the roped off areas. He just gnashed his teeth a lot and scowled, but short of physically trying to stop me, he couldn't do a lot about it.

Regards, Chris

Pippa · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 07:06 PM

No problems here, as we stick to the paths we know for fear of getting lost.

treecreeper · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pippa

No problems here, as we stick to the paths we know for fear of getting lost.

I love getting lost

Jim Ford · #7 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pippa

No problems here, as we stick to the paths we know for fear of getting lost.

What, the tarmacked ones, Pippa?
;^)

Jim

ron1863 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-04-2009, 07:55 PM

The only time I have been asked to get off of land was last Spring when I was out on the hills with the dog and the local farmer approached me and asked me to leave. We knew each other fairly well and he explained that he doesn't allow dogs on his land during the lambing season, even on a leash, as the sight of a dog can scare the sheep causing miscarriages. I had no problem with this and left.....with my Yorkie.