Topic: PATHWAY WORK (Read 23122 times)

Daithi2004 · « **Reply #45 on:** March 14, 2012 »

This topic seems to have been covered before

http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3039.msg32854#msg32854

So my comment on this post would also apply top this thread...

Quote from: Daithi2004 on February 27, 2012

I came across this photo on my facebook account from one of my "friends" and he agrees with this argument. I don't. There are merits to reconstruct paths up into the mountains. The reason I think is cause by the number of people talking up the hillwalking, rambling and mountaineering. While I agree that we shouldn't interfere with the mountains, we have to manage the pathways for environmental reasons. There has been some discussions about this on Facebook. Just want to hear your views.

Quote from: Mourneman on February 27, 2012

just noticed we started the same thread ,me i neither for or against,be interesting to hear some views

Was up at the glen river at the weekend and yes, it is a mess. Unfortunately this has to be done. Others are saying walking poles are doing the damage. Should we not be saying, WE as hillwalker & ramblers, are causing the damage because of the high volume of people wanting to walk the hills? I will be attending a meeting with the MHT next Tue.

Mourneman · « **Reply #46 on:** March 14, 2012 »

meeting with the MHT,where,when,i'dlove my voice to be hear

Oisín · « **Reply #47 on:** March 14, 2012 »

No not at all, just in that statement it sounded as if you were saying that it doesn't matter what you do in the mountains as they have already survived target practise for the navy so what's the point in caring? Or did I just read it different than everyone else.

Samm · « **Reply #48 on:** March 15, 2012 »

So today I took a dander up the Glen River path, up as far as the steps up to the saddle. While I understand the rationale behind doing the work (and the rationale is the rationale, whether nor not you agree with the science behind it is an entirely different matter), I wanted to go have a look for myself. And there's no question about it, it looks an absolute mess. But that's just temporary. The network of paths between the ice house and the top of the forestry has always been an eyesore, in my view. Natural is not a word I could use to describe that area. In some parts the path had diverged into so many routes that the whole area between the forest and the river was just one giant path. Continuing on my walk I got past the area of the current path work and on to the existing path. By existing path I mean granite slabs marking a pathway up to the saddle. The contrast here is amazing. Instead of lots of paths taking a variety of routes, resulting in ever widening loss of vegetation, there is predominantly just one path with the vegetation growing right up to the path edge - people and nature both happy! I am more than happy to hold my hands up and say I wholeheartedly agree with path maintenance work on this route. This older section just proves how successful it can be. I'm a blow-in to these parts but am interested to know if when this older section was put in, how did it initially look? Did it take a few years to disappear into the landscape? No one wants managed paths across the length and breadth of the Mournes, but this is one length of path management on an existing route, a route that has already been extensively managed.

One thought that did cross my mind today was this. One of the mountain bike trails that is planned in the Mournes will be put through an area of pretty much undisturbed heathland. There are a few sheep trails across this area, but no existing human tracks or trails. Now, MTB trails are slightly different to walking trails, but nevertheless, this will be the creation of a whole new track, not just maintenance of an existing one. (Before all the mountain bikers get at me, there are positives about this trail!). But my reason for mentioning it is, I wonder will the creation of a whole new track cause the same uproar as the management of an existing one?

mregan · « **Reply #49 on:** March 15, 2012 »

Quote

But my reason for mentioning it is, I wonder will the creation of a whole new track cause the same uproar as the management of an existing one?

Good Point Samm
I hope not as the part you mention is a very small section. The majority of the trail is through the forest. As you know the designers dont just wade in and dig up a path. There is a lot of thought and time spent making sure there is little or no damaging effect to the environment. Yes there will be a slight change to the landscape where the single track will run. After it beds in properly and the edges grow in around it then it just blends in with the existing sheep trails etc. The guys designing these trails have been monitored in past projects as to the impact to the environment/wildlife etc. Once the trail is in place Mountain bikers stay on the trail along that section. There wont be the same wide spread mess up at glen river where walkers have just spreadout across the land cutting in numerous trails.

LandyLiam · « **Reply #50 on:** March 19, 2012 »

I'm just back from a week in the Cairngorms where they have a LOT more footfall than here in the Mournes. Saw lots of evidence of pathwork repair having a great effect on minimising erosion and blending in well with the surroundings. Also saw many areas where paths had not been created, looked messy. So if they leave the low footfall areas alone (basically thats most of the mournes) and concentrate on the very few busy paths then well done to MHT

.

Daithi2004 · « **Reply #51 on:** March 23, 2012 »

Here is an interesting news fro the Mountaineering Ireland Website

http://www.mountaineering.ie/news/viewdetails.asp?ID=673

Quote from: http://www.mountaineering.ie/news/viewdetails.asp?ID=673

Sliabh Liag proposed work consultation

23 March 2012

Karl Boyle (Chief Officer) and Helen Lawless (Hillwalking, Access & Conservation Officer) visited Slieve League, Co Donegal yesterday to walk the cliff path and discuss erosion management with Donegal County Council, trail advisers, and representatives from the North West Mountaineering Club and the Sliabh Liag Walkers.

Donegal County Council is preparing plans to undertake path repair work during 2012.

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Author Topic: PATHWAY WORK (Read 23122 times)

Daithi2004

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Mourneman

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Oisín

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Samm

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mregan

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LandyLiam

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Daithi2004

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