Pennine Bridleway Relay

I run leg 5 final descent the opposite way many times in training and always make sure the gates are closed because of the livestock escaping and ending up in Waterfoot.
It doesn't take much to close a gate, maybe seconds. It's a shame this has happened and UU seem to be trying to catch us out if that's the right phrase. I'm gutted. I wish UU would put more effort into clamping down on motorbikers ripping up the Rossendale countryside.

I have good mate who is a UU ranger - he's normally very positive around fell running and is totally anti dirtbikes - interested to get his take on this

Horrific news. This is probably a good time to mention that on the Torver Show race, the 5 bar gate before the beck crossing (SD 280957) is unmarshalled and it is the runners' responsibility to ensure it is kept shut. I checked this last year at registration.

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Originally Posted by Trig

Gutted to hear the news - I do hope the door may still open for some sensible discussions

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door or gate?

I think we're all guilty of leaving the odd gate open in a race, and if you're one of the few that close it everytime then I stand corrected.

I also think that some of the responsibility should be taken by the landowners to ensure that if public footpaths/bridleways are used through private land, then livestock are not within the immediate area (i.e. the same field) for the duration.

Organising clubs could share this responsibility by using sweepers, to run behind the last competing team, making sure that all gates are closed.

Sharing the responsibility would help alleviate the already pressure-filled situation that a race brings.

There were plenty of walkers on our leg on the day, who is to say it wasnt some of them that left the gates open?

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Originally Posted by Moth

I think we're all guilty of leaving the odd gate open in a race, and if you're one of the few that close it everytime then I stand corrected.

I also think that some of the responsibility should be taken by the landowners to ensure that if public footpaths/bridleways are used through private land, then livestock are not within the immediate area (i.e. the same field) for the duration.

Organising clubs could share this responsibility by using sweepers, to run behind the last competing team, making sure that all gates are closed.

Sharing the responsibility would help alleviate the already pressure-filled situation that a race brings.

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Or alternatively, you could remember to shut gates behind you - simpler solution to the stated problem. Why should the landowner/farmer take responsibility for the event? When permission is gained for the event to cross the land, one assumes that they have the right to make the use of the land conditional - for example shutting gates. It's not difficult to do. And whilst I wouldn't shut a gate on someone 5m behind me, I would for someone 15-20m behind - for 2 reasons - it will slow them down and also even if the following team/runner is in sight, it could take time for them to reach the gate in which time livestock could possibly escape (only takes a few seconds). It also reminds the following runner that they need to shut the gate.

How can United Utilities withdraw access from the bridleway? I thought the bridleway was a public right of way, and so, as far I understand, the landowner cannot deny access from the path (as opposed to a permissive path, where the landowner can deny access to the path), see below for definition:
http://www.naturenet.net/row/rowdefi...html#Bridleway
Also, if the offending gate is the one directly after Cant Clough Reservoir, then (I might be wrong and would have to check) I think the pedestrian gate to the side of the main gate may not have a latch on it.

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Originally Posted by JonG

How can United Utilities withdraw access from the bridleway? I thought the bridleway was a public right of way, and so, as far I understand, the landowner cannot deny access from the path (as opposed to a permissive path, where the landowner can deny access to the path), see below for definition:
http://www.naturenet.net/row/rowdefi...html#Bridleway
Also, if the offending gate is the one directly after Cant Clough Reservoir, then (I might be wrong and would have to check) I think the pedestrian gate to the side of the main gate may not have a latch on it.

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I think I am right in saying that rights of way only apply to individuals - not to organised events. Permission still has to be sought from the landowner for events.

If I'm wrong, doubtless someone will be along shortly to correct me.

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Originally Posted by fozzy

Or alternatively, you could remember to shut gates behind you - simpler solution to the stated problem. Why should the landowner/farmer take responsibility for the event? When permission is gained for the event to cross the land, one assumes that they have the right to make the use of the land conditional - for example shutting gates. It's not difficult to do. And whilst I wouldn't shut a gate on someone 5m behind me, I would for someone 15-20m behind - for 2 reasons - it will slow them down and also even if the following team/runner is in sight, it could take time for them to reach the gate in which time livestock could possibly escape (only takes a few seconds). It also reminds the following runner that they need to shut the gate.

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The landowner/farmer should take responsibility for the livestock, not the event. And why should the landowner have the right to make the use of the land conditional? It is a public right of way, bylaw.