SIR, Four years ago, at the age of 50, after a lifetime of walking in the hills, I bought myself a mountain bike, not only to maintain a level of fitness but to view the fells and surrounding scenery from a different aspect.
Compared to fell walkers, damage caused by mountain bikes is virtually non-existent and barely minimal.
The footpaths are being eroded by the sheer volume of fell walkers, walking the hills.
The worst offenders are the rambling groups who appear like a human caterpillar seemingly intent on trampling on everything in front of them.
I have frequently met with abuse, even to the point of having rocks hurled at me, always by people in groups who seem to think they have a divine right to be amongst the hills exclusively.
The worst offenders are the trial motor bikers and the four-wheel terrain vehicles who not only carve up the footpaths by leaving deep furrows and ruts behind them, they shatter the silence by their roaring engines, spoiling the peace and tranquillity, frightening the bird and wildlife.
These are the people who should be banned from the hills.
They are an absolute menace.
Michael Brooks
Kendal
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